San Diego Chargers Top Free Agent Targets
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Ravens defeated the Saints 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
RB Justin Forsett, Baltimore Ravens
This offseason is going to likely determine the future of the San Diego Chargers backfield for years to come. This off-season could mean the re-signing of veteran Ryan Mathews, the drafting of a rookie back or the signing of a big-name, free agent acquisition.Ryan Mathews is the best back by far in comparison with all the rest of the Chargers running backs.
A possible option for the Bolts is to offer Mathews a max contract, but there are no guarantees that he will remain healthy or if can still produce like he did.In 2013, he suffered injuries and this season he couldn’t stay healthy.In essence, Ryan Mathews is the definition of injury-prone. This season he did rush for a 4.6 yards per carry average and probably would have gone for over 1,000 yards if he had remained healthy. Taking a chance on Mathews is a big risk, but one that could potentially pay off.
On the other hand there are many free agent backs out there that can produce potentially huge numbers for the Chargers. Backs such as DeMarco Murray, Mark Ingram, C.J. Spiller and Knowshon Moreno would cost huge money, but could be the backs that crack the code to the San Diego running game.
One name that has stood out this season is Balitmore’s Justin Forsett.
In 2014, Forsett ran for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns on 235 carries for an average of 5.4 yards per carry (first in the league among running backs). His five games of 100+ yards are amazing considering just a season ago he had just been cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not to mention, his 5.4 yards per carry ranks among tops in the NFL in 2014.
Forsett has been quoted as saying that Baltimore has expressed interest in keeping him in Maryland. But, nothing is truly set in stone until after free agency starts. I believe though that if the Chargers make Forsett an offer he can’t refuse, he could have a change of mind on where he decides to play next season.