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5 Players San Diego Chargers Must Target In 2016 NFL Free Agency

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Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The future of the San Diego Chargers is up in the air with a move to Los Angeles potentially in the works. Regardless of where they play, the Chargers will need to retool a roster that played to a 4-12 record, including 0-6 in the AFC West, which was well short of expectations. Thankfully for the Chargers, this free agent class is stocked with talent, and they will have about $30 million in estimated cap room. While there are many holes to fill, here are five free agents the Chargers should target.

5. Muhammad Wilkerson, DE

Muhammad Wilkerson, DE Getty Images
The Chargers had only 32 sacks last season. They do have Melvin Ingram to rush the passer but could use some help up front. Enter Muhammad Wilkerson who plays 3-4 DE but can shift inside if needed. He is big, fast and strong and is exactly what the Chargers need. Wilkerson would team with Ingram to form a deadly duo for opposing quarterbacks. Wilkerson is also steady against the run, something the Chargers struggled with this season.

The Chargers had only 32 sacks last season. They do have Melvin Ingram to rush the passer but could use some help up front. Enter Muhammad Wilkerson who plays 3-4 DE but can shift inside if needed. He is big, fast and strong and is exactly what the Chargers need. Wilkerson would team with Ingram to form a deadly duo for opposing quarterbacks. Wilkerson is also steady against the run, something the Chargers struggled with this season.

4. Eric Berry, S

Eric Berry, S Getty Images
Berry came back from a battle with cancer and had one of his best seasons. The Kansas City Chiefs will do everything they can to keep their safety, but if he hits the open market the Chargers should move in. Eric Weddle is destined to test the free agent market, and there is some bad blood between him and the team so he will need to be replaced. Berry is a proven commodity and one of the best safeties in the game. Not to mention a defection by Berry to the Chargers hurts a division rival.

Berry came back from a battle with cancer and had one of his best seasons. The Kansas City Chiefs will do everything they can to keep their safety, but if he hits the open market the Chargers should move in. Eric Weddle is destined to test the free agent market, and there is some bad blood between him and the team so he will need to be replaced. Berry is a proven commodity and one of the best safeties in the game. Not to mention a defection by Berry to the Chargers hurts a division rival.

3. Coby Fleener, TE

Coby Fleener, TE Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Antonio Gates should be brought back as he proved he can still play when healthy. However, after missing the first four games due to suspension, Gates played the season with a myriad of injuries. Fleener isn’t the best tight end, but he is an upgrade over Ladarius Green who never developed into what many thought, a viable replacement for Gates. Fleener showed he is capable with a strong 2014 season, but he struggled with the revolving door at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts this season thanks to injuries. Fleener would at least bring health and a reliable pair of hands to transition into a Gates-less Chargers offense in the coming future.

Antonio Gates should be brought back as he proved he can still play when healthy. However, after missing the first four games due to suspension, Gates played the season with a myriad of injuries. Fleener isn’t the best tight end, but he is an upgrade over Ladarius Green who never developed into what many thought, a viable replacement for Gates. Fleener showed he is capable with a strong 2014 season, but he struggled with the revolving door at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts this season thanks to injuries. Fleener would at least bring health and a reliable pair of hands to transition into a Gates-less Chargers offense in the coming future.

2. Cordy Glenn, OT

Cordy Glenn, OT Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers need a lot of help on the offensive line. Glenn is arguably the best tackle scheduled to become a free agent. He can help protect Philip Rivers, who was sacked 40 times this past season. He would be a huge upgrade over King Dunlap and a step in the right direction on the offensive line. The team could also use some draft picks to bring in some talent and depth for the line while already having their anchor.

The Chargers need a lot of help on the offensive line. Glenn is arguably the best tackle scheduled to become a free agent. He can help protect Philip Rivers, who was sacked 40 times this past season. He would be a huge upgrade over King Dunlap and a step in the right direction on the offensive line. The team could also use some draft picks to bring in some talent and depth for the line while already having their anchor.

1. Alshon Jeffery, WR

Alshon Jeffery, WR Getty Images
Jeffery is the best wide receiver scheduled to hit the market, and the Chargers need to add weapons for Rivers. Keenan Allen was on pace for a career year before he got hurt, and running back Danny Woodhead ended up leading the team in catches (80) and receiving yards (755). Teaming Jeffery with a healthy Allen suddenly gives the Chargers a powerful duo that can stretch a defense and cause havoc underneath. Throw in Antonio Gates and suddenly you have the makings of an offense that can cause some real damage.

Jeffery is the best wide receiver scheduled to hit the market, and the Chargers need to add weapons for Rivers. Keenan Allen was on pace for a career year before he got hurt, and running back Danny Woodhead ended up leading the team in catches (80) and receiving yards (755). Teaming Jeffery with a healthy Allen suddenly gives the Chargers a powerful duo that can stretch a defense and cause havoc underneath. Throw in Antonio Gates and suddenly you have the makings of an offense that can cause some real damage.

Christopher Gamble is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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