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Grading the San Diego Chargers’ Top 5 Free Agency Decisions In 2015

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Grading the San Diego Chargers’ Top 5 Free Agency Decisions In 2015

Orlando Franklin San Diego Chargers
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Chargers were uncharacteristically active during the 2015 free agency period. While Ryan Mathews, Eddie Royal and Marcus Gilchrist departed, the Chargers were able to fill voids and upgrade across the roster. Let’s take a look at the Bolts’ top five free agency decisions.

5. Signing Jacoby Jones

Jacoby Jones San Diego Chargers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5. Signing Jacoby Jones

Jacoby Jones San Diego Chargers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

After a season in which the Chargers ranked a lowly 22nd in average kickoff return yards, it was prudent of the team to nab Jones in free agency. The eight-year veteran averaged 30 yards per return and racked up four return touchdowns in the last three years as a member of the Ravens.

Grade: B-

4. Signing Stevie Johnson

Stevie Johnson San Diego Chargers
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

4. Signing Stevie Johnson

Stevie Johnson San Diego Chargers
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The Chargers were wise to inject talent at the receiver position, as Keenan Allen’s sophomore slump hindered the offense and indicated that San Diego needed another receiving weapon. A change of scenery after a lackluster year in San Francisco ought to serve Johnson well. What keeps this decision out of the 'A' grade is the question of whether or not Johnson will be more effective than Eddie Royal, who left for Chicago.

Grade: B

3. Signing Jimmy Wilson

Jimmy Wilson San Diego Chargers
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

3. Signing Jimmy Wilson

Jimmy Wilson San Diego Chargers
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

The loss of Marcus Gilchrist doesn’t hurt too much now that the Chargers have Wilson, one of the more underrated defensive backs in the NFL. In addition, Wilson is extremely popular in the San Diego area having graduated from Point Loma High School; his life story is moving, to say the least. Check him out.

Grade: B

2. Signing Patrick Robinson

Patrick Robinson San Diego Chargers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. Signing Patrick Robinson

Patrick Robinson San Diego Chargers
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

With the addition of Robinson, who made two of the most jaw-dropping interceptions of 2014, the Chargers now boast one of the best cornerback groups in the league. The former Saint joins Brandon Flowers, a proven star, and 2014 first-round pick Jason Verrett in the San Diego secondary. It was a great move on the part of the Chargers to pluck Robinson out of the thin free agent cornerback market.

Grade: B+

1. Signing Orlando Franklin

Orlando Franklin San Diego Chargers
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

1. Signing Orlando Franklin

Orlando Franklin San Diego Chargers
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Not only does signing Franklin bolster the Chargers’ offensive line in a major way, but it is also addition by subtraction from a divisional rival. The movement of Franklin west to the beach signals a shift in the balance of power in the AFC West away from the Broncos and toward the Chargers.

Grade: A+

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