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NFL Free Agency: Breaking Down Each Team’s Biggest Offseason Need

By Peter Panacy

Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) reacts after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) reacts after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; The San Diego Chargers offensive line and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive line await the snap during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; The San Diego Chargers offensive line and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive line await the snap during the second half of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 38-14. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Chargers

Projected Cap Space: $5,146,314

Biggest Need: Offensive Guard

The San Diego Los Angeles Chargers locked up edge rusher Melvin Ingram on a franchise tag for 2017, and they have second-year pro Joey Bosa on the other end to give the defense a solid look in the front seven.

The thing is every other defense in the AFC West boosts the same rapport, and the Chargers need to figure out how they can keep quarterback Philip Rivers upright instead.

Rivers still has some effective pieces with which to work, as long as they stay healthy. But aside from center Matt Slauson, it’s hard to see any glaring strength from this critical unit.

Since tackles tend to be more expensive on the free-agent market — and L.A. is pressed for cap space — targeting a cheaper option like guard Larry Warford might be the way to go.