5 Free Agency Targets Jim Harbaugh Can Aim to Complement the Revamped Coaching Staff for the Chargers

After a successful stint with the Wolverines, Jim Harbaugh is approaching the Los Angeles Chargers with renewed vigor. As the 2024 season approaches, the Chargers are fueled by lofty ambitions for a captivating journey ahead. The experienced coach can look at undrafted free agents with significant experience willing to negotiate to bolster his roster.

With the looming issues of the salary cap amounting to over $27.5 million, Harbaugh can target free agents as a strategic move to recover from the financial strains. The coach has sufficient players in hand, including Giants’ running back Saquon Barkley along with other players drafted from different programs.  

Gus Edwards 

As per the reports, one potential target of Harbaugh’s quest to optimize the roster is Gus Edwards. The running back has showcased extraordinary skills in the 2023 season with the Baltimore Ravens. With Charger’s former running back Austin Ekeler moving out and reportedly joining the Raiders, Edwards can be an ideal substitute. 

Having been under the tutelage of Baltimore’s offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, Edwards has imbibed enough skills to seamlessly integrate into the Chargers’ new offensive scheme. Considering the limitations of the team, Edwards makes an attractive candidate with a potential $2 million deal for one year. 

Jon Runyan Jr.

The Los Angeles Chargers are aiming to add depth to their offensive line. In an attempt to materialize their plan, one intriguing option emerges in the form of free agent Jon Runyan Jr. Being mentored under Harbaugh during his tenure in Michigans, Runyan Jr. is expected to be aware of the coach’s expectations and will be able to mold himself accordingly.

On the field, the player has shown notable performance with his snaps reducing to minimal in mid-season last year. Since the Chargers do not need a guard, Runyan Jr. will serve as a valuable addition to the offensive line.  

Chidobie Awuzie

With the departure of Michael Davis, the Chargers are in dire need of a reliable cornerback. Here emerges the name of 28-year-old Chidobie Awuzie. Having an elite experience under the Cincinnati Bengals, the player showcased resilience by making a triumphant comeback after suffering from an ACL tear in 2023. 

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Exhibiting his dominance, Awuzie only allowed 36 interceptions and earned the commendable 62.3 coverage grade on PFF. Hence, he could be a savvy move by the Chargers to strengthen their defensive backfield. 

Dalton Schultz

A standout tight-end hitting the free agency market is none other than Dalton Schultz. With the Chargers already lucky enough to have quarterback Justin Herbert, Schultz will be a reliable tight-end one.

Over the past four seasons, he has proved himself as a dependable player by constantly surpassing 50 receptions and 500 yards. Schultz’s proficiency and steady performance in blocking make him a missing piece to the Charger’s offensive puzzle. 

Josh Uche 

Chargers stand strong boasting the on-field offensive success of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. However, Bosa’s injury has turned the situation complex. Here evolves the potentiality of Josh Uche to inject fresh energy into the Chargers’ pass-rushing armory.

With four seasons under his belt, the player has been exposed to both smooth and rough patches in his career. In possession of 11.5 sacks in 2022, the Michigan alum could prove to be a cost-effective solution for the Chargers. 

Even though the Chargers are yet to figure out who their latest additions will be, the chances of the above-mentioned prospects seem to be high. Now it is time for the players to move past Jim Harbaugh’s critical eyes and pass through stringent scrutiny. 

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