The San Diego Chargers are considered among the bottom third of NFL teams in terms of so-called salary cap space — including the amount of money the team has to spend on free agents.
But Eric Williams of ESPN says the Bolts will have about $5.8 million to play with as the start of free agency begins at 1 p.m. Pacific on Tuesday.
“However, that figure does not include recent deals with guard Chad Rinehart and safety Darrell Stuckey, along with reported pay cuts for edge rusher Jarret Johnson and receiver Eddie Royal,” Williams writes in an ESPN blog.
“But expect San Diego general manager Tom Telesco to be a sensible spender during the second wave of free agency, much like he accomplished last year by signing left tackle King Dunlap and running back Danny Woodhead to two-year deals.”
Among Telesco’s possible targets to wear Chargers blue (with Williams’ remarks) are:
Denver defensive back Champ Bailey, “who has an offseason home in Orange County … and likely would relish the chance to play against his former team, the Broncos, twice a year.”
Houston defensive tackle Earl Mitchell, “who earned an A grade from ESPN NFL Insider Bill Polian.”
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks, who “mentioned Philip Rivers as a guy he wouldn’t mind as a teammate.”
New York Jets quarterback Brady Quinn, “who could come in and push second-year pro Brad Sorensen for the backup quarterback job if the Chargers choose to move on from Charlie Whitehurst.”
Others noted on the ESPN wish list for Chargers are Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith, Miami defensive tackle Paul Soliai, Seattle wide receiver Golden Tate and Seattle cornerback Walter Thurmond,