The Los Angeles Chargers entered free agency with plenty of decisions to make. But one of their objectives should be to improve their special teams. Los Angeles ranked in the middle of the pack, ranking 15th with a Pro Football Focus grade of 79.2 last season.
While Los Angeles has one of the most accurate kickers in the league in Cameron Dicker, they need to shore up their coverage, allowing 9.6 yards per punt return and allowing the 10th-highest clip at 28.6 yards per kickoff return.
The Chargers made a step in the right direction on Friday when they signed a journeyman veteran who has had a strong track record on special teams.
Chargers Sign Special Teams Ace Del’Shawn Phillips in Free Agency
NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo report that the Chargers have agreed to a one-year contract with journeyman linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips on a one-year contract. Phillips had 16 tackles and a tackle for loss for the Houston Texans last season and added three more tackles in two playoff games.
An undrafted free agent out of Illinois, Phillips started his career with the Buffalo Bills and has spent time with the New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and the Texans during his five-year career. While he has just 76 total tackles including four for loss and a sack, he has also been a strong contributor on special teams, posting a PFF grade over 70 in all five seasons including a 72.1 grade with the Texans last season.
The 29-year-old also provides depth for the Chargers heading into next season. Los Angeles heads into 2025 with Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu as their starting linebackers but Phillips joins Caleb Murphy, Chris Collins, Bud Dupree and Tre’Mon Morris-Brash as reserves.
The Chargers could also add some depth with three picks in the top 100 selections – including the 22nd overall pick – in next year’s NFL Draft. But Friday’s signing takes a step toward shoring up an underrated aspect for Los Angeles.