Wyatt Teller an option for the Chargers
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Wyatt Teller an option for the Chargers
Amidst a chaotic offseason, one of the most disappointing teams in terms of aggressiveness has been the Los Angeles Chargers. After signing Tyler Biadasz to bolster their O-line, they have remained relatively quiet, mostly re-signing players rather than going after any. As a result, several positions, especially on the O-line need to be filled. That is why the Chargers could make a late free agency play…or look to the draft for help.
As of right now, of the six rostered O-lineman, only three are expected to be starters next year: Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, who will be returning from injury, and Tyler Biadasz. New signing Cole Strange could compete for a starting guard spot, but will most likely be a rotational piece.
Chargers Still Searching for Stability at Guard
This leaves the Chargers with a predicament at guard. They can either address the situation through the draft, with Vega Ioane being consistently mocked to them in mock drafts, or go after someone who is technically not even a free agent at all.
Cleveland Browns right guard Wyatt Teller is perhaps the most intriguing offensive lineman out in the open market…or at least, pundits believe him to be. That is because Teller’s contract is one of the most bizarre in the NFL and he is not your typical free agent. While he has made it clear that he will not be coming back to Cleveland, the NFL and several analysts are a bit confused about when his contract will be voided.
The Browns had added several several void years to his contract, and as a result, has muddied his exit from the team. As today, Friday the 13th, is the third day of the league year, the Browns released him yesterday despite the confusion surrounding the date.
Veteran Option vs. Draft Solution
Now that Teller is eligible to sign with whomever he wants, the Chargers could target him for their new look scheme. Considering last year’s play at the position, getting Teller on the cheap would be highly beneficial for what Mike McDaniel may want out of an offensive lineman. While Teller did not have a great season, Zion Johnson, who himself moved to Cleveland, didn’t do much better.
Add in the fact that Teller missed some time with a calf injury and the numbers somewhat make sense. He allowed 24 pressures and three sacks, which grades out as pretty average at the right guard spot. Pretty average play may be all the Chargers need due to the strength of the rest of the O-line.
Still, should the Chargers not be swayed by Teller, they could draft Vega Ioane, who many say could be the perfect fit for McDaniel and the Chargers offense. He is a physical mauler in both the run and pass game and allowed zero sacks last season with Penn State. Perhaps a younger option would intrigue the Chargers more than Teller.
Whoeer they acquire at the position could become an immediate difference maker up front and completely revamp a unit in need of significant change.