San Diego Chargers Top Free Agent Targets

Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Bradley Fletcher (24) celebrates an interception against the New Orleans Saints during the first half of the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. The New Orleans Saints won the game 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

CB Bradley Fletcher, Philadelphia Eagles

Last year San Diego ranked 29th in the league in passing yards allowed per game with 258.7 yards allowed per game. 2014 saw the Bolts improve significantly with 25 spots. While the secondary wasn’t flashy (seven interceptions, tied for the third-fewest in the league), they still ranked fourth in the league in passing yards allowed (214.2 YPG). Free safety Eric Weddle was a force in the running game with 114 total tackles and three tackles for loss.

In terms of corners, Shareece Wright had 10 passes defended and 60 tackles, while former Kansas City Chief Brandon Flowers had 52 tackles, 10 passes defended and three interceptions. The Chargers gave up 24 passing touchdowns and a 61.1% completion percentage, ranked 12th and 11th, respectively, in the league.

Those players along with short safety Marcus Gilchrist are going to be free agents next season and will be up for grabs. In order to compensate for the losses of either Wright, Flowers or both of the corners, the Chargers are going to need to pick up a corner off of the Free Agent market.

In his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, Bradley Fletcher was one of the Eagles’ best corners. In his two seasons with the team, Fletcher averaged 65 tackles, 1.5 forced fumbles, 1.5 interceptions and 18.5 passes defended. Fletcher’s best game in 2014 was against the Panthers in which he recorded five passes defended, four tackles and one interception for 34 yards.

While Fletcher’s performance this season was not necessarily “shut-down,” he still was the league’s leader in passes defended. He can play a major role in run defense and knows how to be a leader in the secondary (in the case that FS Eric Weddle isn’t already a leader enough). Fletcher will end up fetching a pretty penny, but I believe if the Chargers are not willing to re-sign Wright and Flowers, they should give Fletcher a call.

Next: San Fran CB Should Provide Consistent Coverage Help