NFL San Diego Chargers

5 Players the San Diego Chargers Could Use Franchise Tag On

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5 Players the San Diego Chargers Could Use Franchise Tag On

Eddie Royal
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Although the San Diego Chargers will have a lot of cap space this offseason (close to $ 20 million), it would be a surprise to most if they had to use their franchise tag on any player from 2014 set to hit free agency. That being said, here are the five most likely candidates for a franchise tag if they were to use it, ranked from most unlikely to most likely.

5. Marcus Gilchrist, S

Marcus Gilchrist
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

5. Marcus Gilchrist, S

Marcus Gilchrist
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Gilchrist is more likely to end up on another team than to be franchised by San Diego. He underperformed most of the season, but he did have a few standout plays, like the game-clinching pick at the goal line against the Rams. With a projected franchise number of nearly $ 9.5 million, the Bolts would be risking a lot to tag him.

4. Ryan Mathews, RB

Ryan Mathews
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ryan Mathews, RB

Ryan Mathews
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Mathews has been a case of big talent mixed with too many injury issues. He looked really good a year ago after rushing for over 1,000 yards, but he's seen a lot of the trainer's table while in San Diego. The Chargers might want to go either free agency or the draft to replace him; if they decide to bring him back he may want a multi-year contract with a big number. A tag of $ 12 million could give both sides a chance for negotiation in 2016.

3. Eddie Royal, WR

Eddie Royal
Robert Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

3. Eddie Royal, WR

Eddie Royal
Robert Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Even though Eddie Royal was targeted much less than guys named Allen, Floyd or Gates, he was either second or third in catches, receiving yards and TDs for the team in 2014. Add on the punt returning abilities that Royal possesses, and it isn't a stretch to think the Bolts could tag him at $ 12.7 million projected if they can't reach a long-term deal. At 28, he is still has a lot of good years ahead.

2. King Dunlap, LT

King Dunlap
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2. King Dunlap, LT

King Dunlap
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Whether the Chargers want to completely revamp their offensive line or just add a few players, there is no question this is one of their biggest areas of need for 2015. That being said, Dunlap isn't a player they should be replacing anytime soon. He played very well for the Bolts and will probably want a multi-year contract. If San Diego doesn't want to spend in multiple years on Dunlap, they could tag him while grooming a draft pick for 2016.

1. Brandon Flowers, CB

Brandon Flowers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brandon Flowers, CB

Brandon Flowers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

This one makes the most sense for the Bolts and is definitely the most likely of all the tag scenarios. Flowers came to San Diego on a one-year, low cost deal with the hope he could shine and earn a big contract, either with the Chargers or elsewhere. If San Diego can't come to an agreement with Flowers, a tag at a projected $ 12.9 million wouldn't be a surprise. The Bolts need him along with Jason Verrett in 2015 to continue where they left off.

Jonathan George is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jonageorge. “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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