The Chargers have been active, and that was pretty much a given with team president Dean Spanos hinting that there would changes in the approach to acquiring personnel when he decided to bring back coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith.
That said, are the Chargers better at any spot than they were when opening last season? A case could be made that they are deeper at wide receiver - pickups include Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal - but the team lost a game-changer in Pro Bowler Vincent Jackson.
And while the outside linebacker's spot looks more stout with the addition of the Ravens' Jarret Jackson, he is seen as more a run-stopper than a pass-rusher; that is what the Chargers really need coming off the edge in their 3-4 alignment.
So while there's no denying the Chargers have been busy, are they better?
QUOTE TO NOTE:
"You can't help but be excited about this team. I'm ready to get to work. I wish we could start today." - New Chargers FB Le'Ron McCalin on joining the team.
TEAM NEEDS
1. Outside linebacker: Despite the Chargers signing Jarret Jackson, he is seen as more of a run-stopper on early downs. The team still needs someone to put heat on the quarterback. This might be addressed in the draft; the team is also hoping Larry English, a former first-round pick, can stay healthy and be productive. But the team's patience with English has diminished, so it requires someone to line up opposite Shaun Phillips - his contract expires after this year to put pressure on the pocket.
2. Cornerback: While there hasn't been an exodus of frontline players here, the Chargers have to wonder if what they have returning doesn't raise red flags on its own. Antoine Cason is the starter, but he briefly lost his job last year. Quentin Jammer was beat consistently down the stretch last year.
3. Strong safety: The Bob Sanders experiment didn't work and Steve Gregory, the starter after Sanders went down, left for New England. The team signed Atari Bigby, a reserve last year for the Seahawks. But Bigby can't be considered much of, if any, of an upgrade from Gregory. The long search for Rodney Harrison's replacement continues.
MEDICAL SATCH: No updates.
FRANCHISE PLAYER: None.
TRANSITION PLAYER: None.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
ILB Stephen Cooper tried to fight through an arm injury last season and eventually went to injured reserve. He won't be returning.
WR Patrick Crayton was a viable option, especially with injuries to Malcom Floyd. But the thinking is Vincent Brown has matured enough to take Crayton's role.
LB Na'il Diggs will likely be expendable, if as expected, Jonas Mouton is available after being hurt and missing his rookie season.
DL Tommie Harris exceeded the Chargers' expectations after being added in Week 3. Got a start during the year and gave the unit a little boost.
FB Jacob Hester might be a better option of returning than Mike Tolbert, who left for Carolina; he can't run like Tolbert. But he, too, can play on short-yardage downs and does well on special teams. However, the signing of Le'Ron McClain might affect his return.
OT Tony Moll provided some needed depth during the offensive line's injury siege, but isn't a big priority for next season.
G Scott Mruczkowski fought through concussion problems last year but is expected to be OK for next season. The team likes his versatility and familiarity with the system.
FS Paul Oliver hasn't quite developed into the player the Chargers hoped for; destined for a backup role if brought back.
SS Bob Sanders didn't get past the second game last year and isn't expected to resume his career.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: (not tendered offers)
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
OL Brandyn Dombrowski (tendered at $1.26M with no compensation) had two starts at left tackle last season; lost his spot to Jared Gaither. The team would welcome Dombrowski back in a backup role.
EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS
RB Curtis Brinkley showed some spark in his brief appearances and will likely be back. His stock might rise now that Mike Tolbert signed with Carolina, although they aren't the same kind of backs.
WR Richard Goodman showed his value with a 105-yard kick return in final game, improving his standing with the club.
LS Mike Windt has taken over the role long held by David Binn and is expected to return next season.
PLAYERS RE-SIGNED
LT Jared Gaither: UFA; 4 yrs, $9M guaranteed.
C Nick Hardwick: Potential UFA; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
TE Randy McMichael: UFA; $2.7M/2 yrs.
TE Kory Sperry: Not tendered as RFA; 1 yr, terms unknown.
DT Antonio Garay: UFA; 2 yrs, terms unknown.
PLAYERS ACQUIRED
S Atari Bigby: UFA Seahawks; $2.5M/2 yrs.
OLB Jarret Johnson: UFA Ravens; $19M/4 yrs, terms unknown.
FB Le'Ron McClain: UFA Chiefs; 3 yrs, terms unknown.
WR Robert Meachem: UFA Saints; $25.9M/4 yrs, $7.5M SB/$5M base guarantee 2013.
TE Dante Rosario: UFA Broncos; 1 yr, terms unknown.
WR Eddie Royal: UFA Broncos; $13.5M/3 yrs, $6M guaranteed.
QB Charlie Whitehurst: UFA Seahawks; $4M/2 yrs, $1M SB.
LB Demorrio Williams: FA Chiefs; 1 yr, terms unknown.
PLAYERS LOST
LB Everette Brown (released).
DE Luis Castillo (released).
LG Kris Dielman (retired).
SS Steve Gregory: UFA Patriots; $8.5M/3 yrs, $3.35M guaranteed.
CB Dante Hughes (released).
WR Vincent Jackson: UFA Buccaneers; $55,555,555M/5 yrs, $26M guaranteed.
OT Marcus McNeill (released).
RB Mike Tolbert: UFA Panthers; $10M/4 yrs, $2M SB/$2.7M guaranteed.
LB Nate Triplett (released).
QB Billy Volek (released).
WR Bryan Walters (released).
