Tom Telesco is 48-48 as General Manager of the Chargers since 2013. This is the most pivotal offseason for Tom Telesco. He is on the verge of building a Super Bowl team. A few calls correctly could bring the Lombardi trophy to the team that has never touched one. A few calls in the other direction and he could close the window on Philip Rivers career dream of winning the Super Bowl. Let alone they are just 19 months away from opening up they shared stadium in Inglewood with the Rams.
Unrestricted free agents: Players with expired contracts that have completed four or more accrued seasons of service. They are free to sign with any franchise. Undrafted free agents are players eligible for the NFL Draft but who are not selected; they can negotiate and sign with any team.
Telesco was close in 2018. He built an offensive that could strike a big play at anytime. He built a defense that can be one of the top 5 for quite a few years but in one area he missed which was linebackers. It wound up costing the team dearly in New England. Hey, I think he finally dug the special teams unit out of the 10 year ditch they were in. The Chargers were 12-4 in 2018. They traveled more miles than any other team in the NFL and in two different countries. The teams fanbase began to grow in both San Diego and LA. Against New England 914,799 watched in LA. Another 297,382 tuned in from San Diego. The Nielsen doesn't include Phones, Bars, Tablets, Computers and Etc. Now his job is to win the AFC West and see if Philip Rivers can take the 2019 Chargers to a place they have never been.
Oh yes, to be Tom Telesco right now. First up, is you look at your in-house free agents. Some teams have to rebuild their roster. Some teams have to just reload their roster. Time to get this show on the road. Let's tale a look at some of the decision facing Mr. Telesco in the offseason of 2018.
14 Players are Unrestricted free agents:
Players with expired contracts that have completed four or more accrued
seasons of service. They are free to sign with any franchise. Undrafted
free agents are players eligible for the NFL Draft but who are not
selected; they can negotiate and sign with any team.
Brandon Mebane DT 34 years old
The leader of the defense played 12 games in 2018 while taking 405 snaps. He was involved in 39.1% of the defensive snaps. Mebane is the vocal leader on the defense. The 12-year vet signed a three year, $13.5 million contracts with the Chargers on March 9, 2016. Mebane received a $3 million signing bonus and $5.5 million in fully guaranteed money. With Justin Jones added to the roster in last years draft. His leadership on the defensive line will be sorely missed.
NO, Will not be a Charger in 2019.
Jason Verrett DB 27 years old
I can't stand a player that has proven he can't stay healthy. The sample size with Verrett is enough to make a good logical football decision. He hasn't just missed half a season or one full season. He has misses 25 out of 90 games in 5 years!!! Telesco already took a chance on him last year by picking up his 5th year option. Verrett was rewarded by making $8.5 million in 2018 playing not 1 snap. Verrett made $16 million while with the Chargers or $5 million every game played.
In 2015, Jason Verrett made the Pro Bowl when he recorded 42 solo tackles, 1 QB hit, 3 ints, and had 12 Passes Defended. But his body frame at 5'9 is too small when going up against 6'2 NFL wide receivers.
2014-Played 6 games
2015-Played 14 games
2016-Played 4 games
2017-Played 1 game
2018-Played 0 games.
Over the course of his career, he has made $5 million for every game he actually played game in. This is an easy business football decision. No, Jason Verrett will not be a Charger in 2019.
Tyrell Williams WR 27 years old
Tyrell played in all 16 games and lined up for 762 snaps in 2018. That equals 18.3% of the offensive snaps. He was targeted by Rivers 64 times totaling 41 receptions and 5 touchdowns. Tyrell said he believes he is a #1 WR in the NFL.
Although, he did make some big plays in 2018, he is not consistent enough for paying what he's seeking.. They have Mike Williams and Travis Benjamin. This will come down to what the teams needs and the balance of the salary cap. Tyrell wants big money and the team needs to allocate those funds elsewhere. He did average 15.9 yards a catch and is another one of Telesco undrafted finds. Tyrell will find a team desperate at wide receivers and probably make the fair market value of a 3 year deal at around $9.6 million a year. Tyrell Williams will not be a Charger in 2019. If he doesn't get the offer he's looking for he could return before camp opens
Adrian Phillips S 27 years old
MVP!!! MVP!!! MVP!!!!
Adrian Phillips is my MVP. He grew so much in 2018 we could see his improvement from one week to the next. Taking 683 snaps equals 66% of defensive snaps. Phillips led the NFL in special teams kickoffs last year. Even after being injured (tore something in his upper arm) in NE, he begged to get back out there. Telesco called "Phillips on the heart and soul of the defense", Telesco said. Do you think Phillips went through hell to get here? Look at this,
March 22, 2017: Los Angeles Chargers re-signed DB Adrian Phillips.
December 16, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers signed DB Adrian Phillips.
December 11, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers added DB Adrian Phillips to the practice squad.
December 10, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers cut DB Adrian Phillips.
December 9, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers waived DB Adrian Phillips.
October 20, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers activated DB Adrian Phillips from the practice squad.
October 14, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers added DB Adrian Phillips to the practice squad.
October 13, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers cut DB Adrian Phillips.
October 12, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers waived DB Adrian Phillips.
September 19, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers activated S Adrian Phillips from the practice squad.
September 7, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers added DB Adrian Phillips to the practice squad.
September 6, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers cut DB Adrian Phillips.
September 6, 2015: Green Bay Packers cut C Andy Phillips.
September 5, 2015: Los Angeles Chargers waived DB Adrian Phillips.
September 5, 2015: Green Bay Packers waived C Andy Phillips.
May 11, 2015: Green Bay Packers signed C Andy Phillips.
December 29, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers signed DB Adrian Phillips to a Reserve/Future contract.
December 2, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers added DB Adrian Phillips to the practice squad.
December 1, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers cut DB Adrian Phillips.
November 29, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers waived CB Adrian Phillips.
November 15, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers activated DB Adrian Phillips from the practice squad.
November 5, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers added DB Adrian Phillips to the practice squad.
November 4, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers cut CB Adrian Phillips.
November 3, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers waived S Adrian Phillips.
November 1, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers activated S Adrian Phillips from the practice squad.
October 7, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers added DB Adrian Phillips to the practice squad.
October 1, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers removed DB Adrian Phillips from the practice squad.
September 29, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers added DB Adrian Phillips to the practice squad.
September 23, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers removed DB Adrian Phillips from the practice squad.
September 1, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers added DB Adrian Phillips to the practice squad.
August 31, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers cut DB Adrian Phillips.
August 30, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers waived DB Adrian Phillips.
June 16, 2014: Los Angeles Chargers signed DB Adrian Phillips.
Kyle Emanuel OLB 28 years old
Kyle is not meant to be a starter meant to be an NFL starting player. He does give you 41.4% of the snaps on special teams and can rotate on defense. He started 7 games but contributed in all 16 games of the regular season. His value is diminished on defense but his special team's ability and low salary cap charge ($1.9 million in 2018). I might keep Emanuel around in 2019 strictly for special teams and as a depth player at a position `where it's needed the most.
Emanuel could be another late offseason signing for the team depending on how Telesco addresses the LB role in 2019.
That said, my guess is Emanuel will not be a Charger in 2019.
Denzel Perryman ILB 26 years old
Denzel Perryman makes the Chargers run defense better. When he healthy he plays one of the most important parts on the defense and at the weakest part on the roster. However, Perryman also missed 16 games in 2 years. He has played a full season never in his 4-year career played a full season. Perryman salary cap charge was $1.5 million in 2018. He produced 37.3% of the defensive snaps and only 0.9% on special teams. The stats prove the run defense is improving greatly He had 30 solo tackles 21 asst and 2 passes defended. He plays the Mike role in Gus Bradley defense. It's 50-50 but I'm leaning towards his lack of being available to the Chargers because of injuries has Telesco letting Perryman go before the 2019 season. Perryman had 64 tackles with 2 passes defended last year.
I don't know about this decision cause it's closer to a 50-50 decision. My guess says NO, he will not be a Charger in 2019. Perryman return could depend on how the draft works itself out if he stays or goes.
The team has had too many seasons ended early because of a player getting injured. You can't keep signing injury ridden players then whine when they get injured.2018 was a "prove it" season for Perryman. He missed 7 games and that gets him out the door to test the market.
Denzel Perryman will not be a Chargers in 2019.
Darius Philon DE 25 years old
Darius Philon stepped up with his production in 2018. Philon was the teams 6th round draft pick from the 2015 draft. Philon is one of the bright spots on the defensive line for the team. His play was solid all year getting 50 tackles and 8 of those were for losses.He also had 5 passes defended. The rotational DT had 8.5 sacks combined the last two seasons which was good enough to get him 4th on the team in 2018 with 4 sacks. His snap count rose to 606 which is added up to 58.6% of the defensive snaps. Philon and Justin Jones gave the team depth at a position where they need to upgrade. The Chargers will be looking to add to the interior defensive line in the draft. Mebane leadership will be missed but Philon could fill that vocal leadership even without Mebane experience. As Issac Rochelle, Darius Philon and Justin Jones continues to develop the team needs to upgrade with size and talent.
Yes, He will be a Charger in 2019.
Antonio Gates TE 38 years old
Listen Gates is one of the greatest players to ever wear the uniform. But they parted ways with him last year for a reason. The only reason he returned for his 18th season was the injury to Hunter Henry. Gates was signed to a 2 year deal in 2018 for $11 million dollars.just can't do what he used to do. His contributions have decreased every year. Which was once impossible for defenses, to stick an LB to cover Gates is now an easy task for any linebacker.
On 3rd downs, Gates took 366 snaps in 2018. He was targeted 46 times for the season and had primarily on 3rd downs where he caught 28 passes for 333 yards. Gates 2 TD's were the lowest of his career. With a roster who last year literally ran out of roster spots, the team can ill afford to keep Gates on the active roster. The time is now for Gates to retire.
No, He'll will not be a Charger in 2019.
Damion Square DT 30 years old
The developing Square produced a career-best in tackles and sacks. Telesco loves players like Square who lined up at every position on the defensive line last year at some point. He played 530 snaps, accounting for 51.2% of the defensive snaps for Gus Bradley. Square had a career-high with 73 tackles and 43 of them were solo. His career high of 5.5 sacks in 2018 makes Square an important piece on the interior defensive line and stopping the run in 2019.
Yes, Square will be a Charger in 2019.
Hayes Pullard ILB 27 years old
Again the linebacker position is so thin. Pullard played 9 games after coming back to fill in when in week 9 as Jatavis Brown went to the IR list. Jatavis Brown is the only true built linebacker on the roster. Many of Telesco players are undersized for their position. This has resulted in more injuries on the Chargers roster. Pullard filled in for Jatavis Brown with only 92 snaps on the season and 45 of those were played the week prior at Denver.
With Perryman, Kyzir White and Jatavis Brown out for the season. Gus Bradley knew what he had in Hayes Pullard because he was the highest rated player on the Chargers defense from the preseason before being released.
Pullard is not a starting NFL player yet but provides the team the depth they need late in the season. They called in Hayes Pullard off his couch who was with the team previously. He played 92 snaps in the Chargers last 9 regular season games. The team was asking him to do (start) beyond where his talent was at. But he filled in and answered the call.
Hayes Pullard will probably not be a Charger in 2019.
Geremy Davis WR 27 years old.
Davis played mostly with the special teams unit finishing 3rd on the team with 15 special teams tackles. Davis is a developing player and it most likely will contest the Final DB spot in training camp with Artavis I think Davis has better hands He did play a snap vs the Patriots.
Jaylen Watkins WR 27 years old (Never played a snap in 2018)
Geno Smith QB 29 years old
Until Telesco wants to groom a QB, Geno is our man.
Donnie Jones P 39 years old
Jones is 39 Years old Donnie was the worst kicker in the NFL.(Terrible at kickoffs) He won't return.
3 Players are Exclusive rights free agents have no ability to negotiate with other teams. If they receive a qualifying offer from the team, they must sign it or sit out the season.
Cole Toner C 24 years old
Cole was a depth player added for insurance in case Mike Pouncey went down. I doubt he is in the teams' plans for 2019. Toner got some game experience vs the Chiefs in Week 1. He was a healthy inactive player for the rest of the year.
Artavis Scott WR 24 years old
Scott became a fan favorite during the preseason when he was battling Geremy Davis for the final WR spot. Artavis is an exciting prospect as a WR and kick returner. I think we see Artavis Scott in a Chargers uniform at training camp 2019. He spent 2017 on the Chargers practice squad. He probably will be elsewhere in 2019.
I really like this Clemson kid but he will not be a Charger in 2019.
Isaac Rochelle DE 23 years old
Rochelle had to fill in for Bosa at the beginning of the year. He started out strong then seemed overmatched. He managed 3 starts and played in all 16 games in rotation. He finished the regular season with 42 tackles, 8 for losses, four QB hits and added an interception. Rochelle overall had a decent season even when asked to do something beyond where he was developmental wise.
I'd like to see Rochelle as a Charger in 2019.
1 Player is a Restricted Free Agents are players with three accrued seasons. A Restricted Free Agent may receive a qualifying offer from their previous team, which is a salary tender predetermined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and its players. If the Restricted Free Agent signs an offer sheet with a new club, his old club can match the offer and retain him because the qualifying offer entitles it to a "right of first refusal" on any offer sheet the player signs. If the old club does not match the offer, it may receive draft choice compensation depending on the amount of its qualifying offer.
Trevor Williams CB 25 years old
After injuring himself in camp Trevor was eventually benched for Michael Davis. Trevor started 7 games and appeared in 9 games. After Michael Davis started to fill in for Trevor. The team put Trevor on season ending IR.
I do not see Trevor Williams as a Charger in 2019. I don't see a team starving to get Trevor. Telesco will give him another year to prove himself. He will have to begin behind Michael Davis
QB Philip Rivers and Melvin Gordon are also entering the final year of their contracts. Drew Brees was extended and a good comparable player to Rivers. Brees signed a 5 year extension but is only committed to the Saints for 2 years. The contract pays him $20 million the first year and $24.25 million the 2nd year. That seems viable for Philip Rivers.
SIDENOTE:
The team signed the kicker from Canada Ty Long to a futures contract. Long was 43-46 on field goals and 7 of those were 50 yards or more. Long played 2 years for the BC Lions of the CFL. He's 6'2 and 205 pounds from Georgia. He made 120 punts averaging 48 yards. Michael Badgley, they found their long sought after field goal kicker and here's to hoping Ty Long is the answer to the punting issues. I am about as excited as one can get over a kicker for Ty Long. Looks like for the first tinme in a decade maybe the Chargers special teams quagmire.
Later we will examine free agency and the draft. But let's quicKly glance at the 2019 Chargers schedule
At Home
Kansas City
Denver
Raiders
Packers
Steelers (Hearing Mexico City 87,000 seat stadum Azteca Stadium in December
Vikings
Indy
Away
Kansas City
Denver
Raiders
Tenn
Chicago
Jacksonville
Detroit
and Miami (Winless there since January 02, 1982
Needs Linebackers, RT,Guards and DT. A QB sometime would be nice as well
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