Entering Week 10 with a 5-3 record, the Los Angeles Chargers currently find themselves in the thick of the playoff run. When healthy, this team is one of the most talented in football. However, injuries have decimated the roster, and the Chargers may need to turn to the free agent market for additional reinforcements down the stretch.
READ MORE: Chargers Release Jerry Tillery
Four Free Agent Targets For Los Angeles Chargers Playoff Run
1. Odell Beckham
Let’s start with the most obvious candidate. Free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham tore his ACL in the Super Bowl, but multiple reports state that he’s close to getting back on the field. Once he’s medically cleared, he could be a true difference-making talent for the Chargers in the playoffs. Los Angeles desperately needs more playmakers, as Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both hurt, and Josh Palmer isn’t a true top option. Beckham might not be the player he was at his peak, but 2021 proved that he can still be a key contributor to a Super Bowl roster.
2. Eric Fisher
The Chargers have yet to fully recover from Rashawn Slater’s season-ending injury all the way back in Week 3. While Jamaree Salyer has done his best in Slater’s absence, the team could clearly use some additional depth along the offensive line. Eric Fisher is likely the best option left on the open market and would be an ideal swing tackle at this point in his career. Last year with the Indianapolis Colts, Fisher finished the year with a mediocre 68.2 PFF grade. While that’s certainly not an All-Pro number, it would make him the 37th-best offensive tackle this year. Assuming he can still play to that level, he would be a welcome addition to the Chargers offensive line.
3. Will Fuller
Will Fuller missed the vast majority of the 2021 NFL season to injury, so we haven’t seen him on the field since 2020. However, when on the field, Fuller’s deep speed makes him one of the more dangerous receivers in football. Fuller spent the majority of his career catching passes from Deshaun Watson, and Watson’s numbers take a notable dip when Fuller is not in the lineup. Fuller should be back to full health by this point, and his elite speed would bring a much-needed vertical element to this offense.
In the short term, Fuller could start immediately and help take some defensive pressure away from Josh Palmer. Even with Allen and Williams back and completely healthy, Fuller can still be a valuable part of this offense. Allen is better in the intermediate part of the field, and Williams wins downfield using his size, not his speed. There are reports that Fuller is contemplating retirement, but the right offer would likely put him back on the football field.
4. Malcolm Butler
Beggers can’t be choosers, right? The Los Angeles Chargers secondary is a complete nightmare, and they need any healthy body they can find. Malcolm Butler was a solid cornerback in his day, but his day was from 2015 to 2018. However, cornerbacks are hard to find, and there is a very real chance that he is the best one on the market. The former Super Bowl hero reportedly had a decent training camp before landing on the Patriots injured reserve. He asked for his release, which implies he is healthy enough to play. If nothing else, the Chargers should bring him in for a workout and see what he has left in the tank.
