Eric D. Williams, ESPN Staff Writer 6y

Los Angeles Chargers' 2018 free agency: Caleb Sturgis could be solution at kicker

A breakdown of the Los Angeles Chargers' 2018 free-agent signings.

Caleb Sturgis, K

The Chargers signed Sturgis to a two-year deal, the team announced Friday. Here's a closer look at the signing:

Grade: B-minus. A fifth-round selection in the 2013 draft by the Miami Dolphins, Sturgis has connected on 81 percent of his field goals over five seasons, including the last three with the Philadelphia Eagles. The 28-year-old Sturgis missed most of the 2017 season with a hip injury suffered in the season opener. His best season was 2016, when he hit 85 percent of his field goals for the Eagles, including a career-long 55 yarder.

What it means: Sturgis joins a kicking competition that includes young kickers in Nick Rose and Roberto Aguayo. He fits the mold of head coach Anthony Lynn’s desire to bring in a young kicker to grow with the organization. The Chargers had five different players attempt kicks last season, and as a team finished an NFL-low 67 percent on field goals.

What’s the risk: It depends on the amount of guaranteed money included in the contract, but on the surface, the Chargers added a talented kicker who could be the long-term solution to the team’s kicking woes.


Virgil Green, TE

The Chargers signed the former Denver Broncos tight end to a three-year deal, the team announced on Wednesday. Here's a closer look at the signing:

Grade: B. Mainly used as a blocking tight end, The Nevada product has 71 catches for 807 receiving yards and four touchdowns in seven NFL seasons. However, Green makes the Chargers better running the football and weakens a division rival by his departure from Denver.

What it means: Green joins his former teammates in tackles Russell Okung and Michael Schofield, and should help improve the Chargers’ uneven running game. Green is not considered a replacement for future Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates, who remains unsigned.

What’s the risk: Green, 29, has played in 100 games during his NFL career, so he’s pretty durable. And because the Chargers have so many playmakers, Green likely will not be relied upon to make many plays in the passing game, so it’s a low-risk move by the Chargers.

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