The Los Angeles Chargers bring in former Packers center Corey Linsley on a five-year contract worth up to $62.5M. This marked the first big move for the Chargers in 2021 NFL Free Agency.
This is a huge deal for the Chargers for a variety of reasons. Linsley is the top free agent center on the market, and the Chargers knew that. This now marks two seasons in a row that general manager Tom Telesco added a former Green Bay lineman, with Bryan Bulaga signing a three-year, $30M deal last offseason. Linsley will now be reunited with his former teammate.
This past season Los Angeles arguably had the worst offensive line in the league. Injuries and low production on the field made it difficult for the Chargers offense to maintain a consistent game plan. There are still many other holes to fill on the offensive line, but adding Linsley was the first factor. The Chargers entered free agency with over $45M to spend on players, and will still have over $30M to spend after this deal is completed.
Why Linsley is a Great Fit for Chargers
PFF graded him at a whopping 89.9 last season, proving to be MVP Aaron Rodgers No. 1 protector. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound center allowed only one sack in 2020 and did not commit a single penalty. Linsley also allowed a career-low 1.7% pressure rate this past season. He started 13 games this year, but started all 16 in the three years prior.
Linsley was the first domino to fall for the Chargers. I expect Telesco to continue shaping up the offensive line, as well as re-construct the defense.
