NFL San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers Should Strongly Consider Trading Donald Brown

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Kevin Hoffman - USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Hoffman – USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Chargers made a surprising move by signing Donald Brown to a three-year contract during the offseason. They had limited money to sign any players, and most thought they would address bigger needs in the secondary and on the offensive line. They already had two quality running backs in Danny Woodhead and Ryan Matthews, both of whom had big seasons a year ago. But both players went down early in the season due to injury, and it looked as if the signing might pay off. Yet Brown struggled to produce even with the high number of touches, before being sidelined with an injury.

Branden Oliver has stepped up in Brown’s absence and has shown that he can be a reliable back capable of handling the high number of carries. He has explosion, power and speed, and fits well with what the Chargers want to do. Matthews should be returning from injury soon, and Brown will once again be the odd man out. The organization should consider trading Brown to a team in need of a veteran running back.

Even looking past this year, the Chargers will have Woodhead returning and will want to keep Oliver around. They would be better off to unload Brown’s contract in favor of a bigger back later in the draft who can contribute on special teams, similar to what Derrick Coleman does for the Seattle Seahawks. Brown has not looked very explosive and doesn’t provide anything different than Woodhead or Oliver. The team might even look to keep Matthews, which would further diminish Brown’s value.

The Chargers need to try and free up cap space to strengthen their offensive line and defense. They have a number of quality running backs already on the roster, as well as a bright future with Oliver on the team. The team would be better off trying to find a power back late in the draft and using the money elsewhere. The team would be smart to try and trade Brown.

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