Los Angeles Chargers: 5 Big-name targets in 2018 NFL Free Agency

DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 08: Running back Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers runs against linebacker Jarrad Davis #40 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Ford Field on October 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 08: Running back Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers runs against linebacker Jarrad Davis #40 of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Ford Field on October 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 10: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers runs for a touchdown agains the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 10: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers runs for a touchdown agains the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2. Jonathan Stewart

If we’re being honest, I think the Carolina Panthers are going to regret letting Jonathan Stewart leave the state of North Carolina. Not only was he the team’s 13th overall pick in 2008, but he’s run for over 7,318 yards since putting on a Panthers uniform. Needless to say, with the Chargers still looking for a solid one-two punch in their backfield, I believe Stewart is the perfect choice.

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He’s the not the fastest running back in the league, but Stewart knows how to lower his shoulders and put a big hit on defenders. Even with a powerful running back beside him in Melvin Gordon, adding Stewart could take Los Angeles’ running game to another level.

We don’t know how much longer Philip Rivers will play quarterback for the Bolts, but we do know the team has to hand the football off more often. Not to mention, in a division that prides itself on great defense, having a solid running game is imperative to winning the crown.

There are more than enough examples in the NFL today of where teams are counting on more than one back to get the job done, which is why spending a decent amount of money on Stewart isn’t out of the ordinary.

If Los Angeles finds themselves in a position to lure the former Panthers standout to the west coast, they need to seal the deal.