4 pending free agents who have ties to Chargers’ Joe Lombardi, Renaldo Hill
The Chargers’ coaching staff is nearly complete and now that we know the offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator to head coach Brandon Staley, let’s take a look ahead to free agency.
Given the fact that familiarity plays a significant role, I looked through the pending free agents who played under offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill that Los Angeles could consider signing.
OG Larry Warford, Lions & Saints
The connection between Warford and Lombardi goes back to 2014 when the two were with the Lions. After four seasons with Detroit, they reunited in New Orleans. Warford went on to being named to three consecutive Pro Bowls (2017, 2018, 2019). He decided to opt out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If Warford is ready to return to the field in the fall, he would give the Chargers a plug-and-play guard.
OT James Hurst, Saints
Hurst started 44 games for the Ravens over his first six seasons in the league before signing with New Orleans in 2020. The 29-year old missed the first four games of the season due to violating the performance-enhancing drug policy. But upon his return, Hurst played well in the depth role, finishing with a 84.1 pass-blocking grade, per Pro Football Focus. An ideal swing option, Hurst would provide depth both at tackle and guard.
S Will Parks, Broncos
Justin Simmons or Kareem Jackson, the star-studded safeties in Denver’s defense would be great. But I think they will both be brought back, or another team is going to hand them a hefty check. Parks is versatile, having played safety, slot and outside corner and box linebacker. Parks is a starting-caliber talent, so having him as a cheap depth piece should be very enticing for a team that’s lacking depth at the position and one who will be relying on it under Brandon Staley’s system.
CB De’Vante Bausby, Broncos
To say Bausby’s 2020 season was underwhelming might be an understatement. He was waived midway through the season by Denver and after spending very little time with the Cardinals, he was granted another shot with the Broncos. Upon returning, he was benched for the final game of the season after two poor games in the weeks prior. Bausby has shown flashes of being a serviceable cornerback, and maybe with playing under Staley, he could experience a turning point in his career.
