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The San Diego Chargers needed to bolster their offensive line this offseason and made their first step in that direction. On Tuesday, the opening day of free agency, the Chargers agreed to terms with offensive tackle King Dunlap on a two-year deal.
At 6-foot-9, 330 pounds, Dunlap, 27, has a similar stature to that of left tackle Jared Gaither, who is 6-foot-9, 335 pounds. He has experience at both left and right tackle, which gives the Chargers flexibility to either have him replace the oft-injured Gaither or mediocre Jeromey Clary.
Dunlap’s strength is as a pass blocker and ranked 15th in that department among tackles, according to Pro Football Focus. He has the athleticism to thrive in the zone blocking scheme, but has struggled as a run blocker and was heavily penalized in his five years with the Philadelphia Eagles. Dunlap will be given a chance to start at either tackle spot for the Chargers or be a primary backup.
General manager Tom Telesco clearly is trying to add cost-effective players through free agency rather than pursue high-priced names. The Chargers also signed former Dallas Cowboys backup tight end John Phillips earlier today and were unable to retain Louis Vasquez, who signed a big deal with the Denver Broncos. These moves give us a good view to how Telesco will likely approach the rest of free agency.
Look for the Chargers to continue to add low-profile players throughout free agency and concentrate on bringing in talent through the NFL Draft. The Chargers are far from done filling their holes, especially along the offensive line, and should continue to add pieces to the puzzle.
Kevin Chan is a San Diego Chargers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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