The LA Chargers face several roster deficiencies to address this offseason, all while working within tight financial constraints. After implementing necessary cost-cutting measures, the team will have limited space to pursue affordable signings in free agency.
Ideally, these acquisitions would not only plug roster gaps but also come from players released by their previous teams. Such players, having been released, would not factor into the compensatory draft pick formula, enabling the Chargers to bolster their roster while still accumulating additional picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.
As NFL teams scramble to achieve salary cap compliance before free agency, numerous new faces have entered the free-agent market, presenting potential fits for the Chargers. One notable addition to the pool came Wednesday afternoon when the Buffalo Bills released veteran center Mitch Morse.
Morse could prove to be an ideal signing for the Chargers, especially considering the team’s significant need at the center position following Corey Linsley’s retirement after the 2023 season. With the Chargers aiming to revitalize their running game under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, securing a reliable center is paramount this offseason.
While the draft offers several talented center prospects, there’s no guarantee of immediate success, particularly beyond the top picks. Transitioning to the NFL entails a considerable adjustment, as the center’s role extends beyond mere blocking proficiency to include managing pressure packages and adjusting protection schemes to support the run game or safeguard the quarterback.
In light of the limited veteran options available in the market before Morse’s release, the Chargers now have the opportunity to pursue a former Pro Bowler who delivered a strong performance in 2023.
Although Morse may not match Linsley’s caliber, he remains an above-average center without signs of decline in his career. While not elite in run-blocking, he’s serviceable and excels in pass protection, as evidenced by his rankings among centers in pass-blocking efficiency.
The Bills' cuts of S Jordan Poyer, C Mitch Morse, CB Siran Neal, WR Deonte Harty, and RB Nyheim Hines will create approximately $25.96M in salary cap space.
Buffalo entered the day $40M over the cap.
The release of Tre’Davious White will open up another $10.2M, but only after… https://t.co/XappVwclC0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2024
Despite being on the older side for NFL players, Morse has displayed consistency in his performance. Securing his services, provided the cost is reasonable, could offer the Chargers stability at center without sacrificing future draft assets. This strategy would allow the team to groom a rookie center, such as Michigan’s Drake Nugent, without thrusting them into a starting role immediately.
While Morse may not boast All-Pro credentials, he represents a dependable option who can serve as an affordable bridge to the future for the Chargers’ center position.
