Chargers have decisions to make on offensive line
The Chargers get their offseason to-do list in order, and most of the holes needing patching are on the defensive side, right?
Not so fast.
While the offense continues to be the most potent in the league, with quarterback Philip Rivers directing the attack, it's clear this side of the ball needs to be viewed as well.
The biggest concern, and one which comes with varying degrees of layers, is the offensive line.
The Chargers have enjoyed continuity here, with the same five guys basically manning the position the past couple of seasons. But that could change in 2012 - and drastically.
First up is Pro Bowl left guard Kris Dielman. He's under contract but a series of concussions has him contemplating retirement. If he decides to quit, the Chargers would be void of not only their best blocker, but the man providing a strong sense of nastiness to the unit.
To Dielman's right, at center, is another Pro Bowler in Nick Hardwick. Free agency is calling for Hardwick, and he could listen. But he's also hearing his body revolting from the demands of playing in the NFL and he has doubts on whether to continue playing or not, too.
If he does decide to play, the Chargers will make a supreme effort to keep him. And it appears Hardwick is interested in continuing his career with the team that drafted him.
Left tackle Marcus McNeill has progressed nicely since a neck injury landed him on injured reserve last year. He has said he wants to return and the Chargers will certainly take him. But they are concerned about his health long-term, which is why they will likely retain free-agent backup, Jared Gaither. Gaither, though, is a free agent as well and could command a price well above what a backup might receive.
Wide receiver Vincent Jackson is another offensive player beeping on the radar. Jackson was the team's franchise player last year and could end up with that distinction again.
But Jackson, of course, is looking for a long-term deal. Whether the Chargers reward him with that after his third 1,000-yard season in four years remains to be seen. These two parties always seem to end up fussing and fighting over contracts, and they will probably draw it out again this year.
Bruising halfback Mike Tolbert is also a free agent, but the Chargers want him to return. His situation is worth watching as Chargers fans will recall the team once let Michael Turner slip away, a move it regretted.
Staying in the backfield, fullback Jacob Hester could also exit as a free agent. But the team likes his versatility - he morphed into a fullback after being drafted as a halfback - as he is a solid contributor on special teams, too.
Wide receiver Patrick Crayton is another player set for free agency. But the Chargers are believed ready to go younger and cheaper at his position as the No. 4 wideout.
And while Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates was able to fight off the pain in his foot to play most of the season, the Chargers have to be cognizant of his health. With backup Randy McMichael being a free agent, the Chargers will likely push to keep him as an insurance policy for Gates.
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