San Diego Chargers Top Free Agent Targets
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
DE Jason Pierre-Paul, New York Giants
Out of the University of South Florida, Jason Pierre-Paul has spend his entire career with the New York Giants. However, after the last year of his contract, JPP is looking to take his talents elsewhere.In his five seasons in the NFL, Pierre-Paul has seen rises and falls in production.
In 2011, Paul led the Giants with 16.5 sacks along with 86 tackles, two forced fumbles, seven passes defended and eight tackles for loss. After that Pierre-Paul’s production declined before seeing a rise in 2014 when the Deerfield Beach native recorded 77 tackles, 12.5 sacks (ranked eighth most in the league), three forced fumbles, six passes defended and six tackles for loss.
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Opposite of Pierre-Paul’s production, the Chargers had noticeable troubles getting to the quarterback in 2014. In total, the Bolts sacked the quarterback 26 times, which ranked 29th in the league. On the defensive line, DE Corey Liuget was the MVP with 11 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and 57 tackles. Other than Liuget, the Chargers didn’t really have any other presences.The ability to disrupt the pocket and get to the quarterback is something that the Chargers lacked and will need to improve on in 2015 and I believe that this pick fills that need.
The Chargers allowed opposing rushers to go for over 100 yards a total of six times last year. The Bolts could use a run stopper to help stop the flood of rushers. Defensive end Kendall Reyes did not perform as well as predicted (32 tackles, one sack and two tackles for loss) and supposed sack-master Dwight Freeney was little more than a novelty item in the line backing corps with 10 tackles and 3.5 sacks (Freeney is now a potential free agent).
Adding a defensive end with the caliber that Pierre-Paul possesses would give the Chargers more than just a sack master, but also a pass defender. If there was a free agent who would make an immediate impact on this San Diego squad, it would be Jason Pierre-Paul. He’s young, strong and still productive. The only problem is his contract which could potentially fetch big bucks.
The Chargers need a big-time, young rusher. Tom Telesco and his wallet are going to need to accommodate that need.
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