ESPN lists the Chargers as perfect landing spot for offensive tackle Mike Onwenu in free agency
The Los Angeles Chargers could be a potential top destination for some of the top names on the market in free agency under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. According to ESPN, the Chargers were listed as the the best team fit to land former New England Patriots offensive tackle Mike Onwenu on the open market. […]
The Los Angeles Chargers could be a potential top destination for some of the top names on the market in free agency under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
According to ESPN, the Chargers were listed as the the best team fit to land former New England Patriots offensive tackle Mike Onwenu on the open market.
ESPN's Matt Bowen listed the Top-50 free agents heading to the open market and paired them with their perfect fits that they could potentially land with. Bowen had Onwenu ranked 26th on his list and here's what he had to say:
"Besides left tackle Rashawn Slater, the Chargers are devoid of offensive line talent. Coach Jim Harbaugh would love to add a 6-foot-3, 330-pound people-mover in the run game. And Onwenu proved with the Patriots this season that he also has the ability to hold an anchor in pass protection at either guard or right tackle, which would help Justin Herbert. Los Angeles has to get better up front this offseason, so look for the club to make some cuts in order to clear cap space and address this unit." – ESPN's Matt Bowen
Onwenu could be a solid addition to the Chargers' offense and would be a major first splash in free agency for new general manager Joe Hortiz. According to Pro Football Focus, Onwenu allowed three sacks on 489 pass blocking snaps in 2023. By comparison, Chargers right tackle Trey Pipkins III allowed nine sacks on 694 pass blocking snaps during the 2023 season.
According to Spotrac, Onwenu is projected to land a 4 year, $54.6 million contract on the open market in free agency. The Chargers are currently $35.5 million over the cap and would have to make some moves to free up more space in order to bring him in.
Adding a new starting tackle is viewed as one of the top priorities for the Chargers this offseason and landing Onwenu in free agency could even simplify the draft plan for the Chargers in the first round of April's draft.
The Chargers currently hold the fifth overall pick in the draft and a few experts have been linking the team to Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt with their top pick. However, if the Chargers fill this hole in free agency, the front office could then use the Top-5 pick to fill another need elsewhere on the roster, such as wide receiver.
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