4 moves Los Angeles Chargers need to make to keep up with AFC West
By Randy Gurzi
The Los Angeles Chargers kept Mike Williams and added Khalil Mack but still have more work to do in order to keep up in the suddenly stacked AFC West
The AFC West was already a tough division, but it got even more dangerous after Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos. The Los Angeles Chargers responded by adding Khalil Mack, which gives them an elite pass rush with him and Joey Bosa, but they might need to do more in order to keep up with the rest of their division.
In addition to Mack, they did also make sure to keep Mike Williams who signed an extension that keeps Justin Herbert’s favorite target in town.
Still, they can’t stop now as they should be ultra-aggressive while Herbert is on his rookie deal. With that being said, here are four moves they need to make in order to contend in 2022.
Los Angeles Chargers move No. 4: Finish beefing up the D-line
As good as Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa will be on the edge together, the Chargers interior defensive line could use some work. Justin Jones took a step back in 2021 and Jerry Tillery has yet to reach expectations.
That means they should look to add another defensive tackle and a couple of good ones are available in free agency. One is Shy Tuttle of the New Orleans Saints, who is a vastly underrated player. Tuttle had 48 tackles for the Saints in 2021 and while he recorded zero sacks, he was great when it came to stopping the run.
D.J. Jones is another option. He hits free agency after five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers where he had 126 tackles and seven sacks. He’s also a good run stuffer but offers more in terms of quarterback pressures than Tuttle. Either would be an upgrade and would help the Chargers defensive line round into shape.