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5 Under-the-Radar NFL Free Agents San Diego Chargers Should Sign

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Denny Medley - USA TODAY Sports

5 Under-the-Radar NFL Free Agents San Diego Chargers Should Sign

San Diego Chargers
Denny Medley - USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Chargers have plenty of holes to fill as they hope to make the playoffs next season, and are already looking to make big moves in free agency. However, there are plenty of under-the-radar players who are likely looking for smaller deals to prove that they can still play. Here are five free agents who the Chargers should look at this offseason.

5. Akeem Ayers

Akeem Ayers
Jake Roth - USA TODAY Sports

5. Akeem Ayers

Akeem Ayers
Jake Roth - USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers need to produce a better pass rush, but are now running out of money to sign another top free agent. They should take a chance on Ayers, who has shown signs of being a decent rusher in a 3-4 defense, but needs to land in the right spot. He has playoff experience after playing with the Patriots at the end of last year, and should come at a reasonable price.

4. Reggie Wayne

Reggie Wayne
Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

4. Reggie Wayne

Reggie Wayne
Mark J. Rebilas - USA TODAY Sports

Wayne is no longer one of the top receivers in the league, but he could be a very valuable possession receiver for the Chargers. It is no guarantee that they will bring back Eddie Royal who came up with a number of big catches for the team. If they can add speed at the position through the draft, then signing Wayne as a third receiver could pay dividends.

3. Charles Tillman

Charles Tillman
Mike Dinovo - USA TODAY Sports

3. Charles Tillman

Charles Tillman
Mike Dinovo - USA TODAY Sports

Tillman might not have much left in the tank, but the Chargers should be able to grab him for cheap as he tries to prove that he can play one more season. The team has two talented cornerbacks, but both are slightly undersized, and it would be beneficial to add size for when they go up against the bigger receivers in the league. Tillman would provide veteran leadership and give the coaches more options in the secondary.

2. B.J. Raji

B.J. Raji
Benny Sieu - USA TODAY Sports

2. B.J. Raji

B.J. Raji
Benny Sieu - USA TODAY Sports

It is unlikely that the Packers will let Raji get away, even if he wasn’t able to play all of last year. Still, the Chargers need help on the interior, and Raji could be willing to sign for a one year “prove it” deal, similar to Brandon Flowers last season. It would be a gamble, but one that could easily pay off next season.

1. Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson
Jason Getz - USA TODAY Sports

1. Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson
Jason Getz - USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers will likely pursue a running back in the draft, but they may be able to sign a veteran like Jackson for cheap. While no longer the elite talent that he once was, he can still be a bruising power back, something the Chargers do not currently have on their roster. Jackson would not have to be an every-down back with Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead capable of rotating in, and would allow the team to fill other needs through the draft.

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