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Chargers should bring back Tre Boston, focus on kickers in free agency

Here are the moves the Los Angeles Chargers should consider when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 14:

Re-sign Tre Boston: More talented safeties are available in free agency, but Boston is a known commodity who was productive and showed durability in Gus Bradley’s scheme. He's also a good locker-room guy and vocal presence on the field who provides energy on defense. The former North Carolina player led the Chargers with 986 defensive snaps and five interceptions. Boston should be retained at a reasonable price.

Sign a veteran kicker: The Chargers need to sign a veteran kicker to join the competition between young, developmental prospects already on the roster in Nick Rose and Roberto Aguayo. The Chargers finished last in the league with a field-goal percentage of 67 percent in 2017. For a team that expects to make a deep playoff run in 2018, the Bolts have to solidify the kicking position.

Sign a veteran linebacker: The Chargers allowed a league-worst 4.9 rushing yards per carry last season. Part of those struggles were because of inconsistent play at the second level on defense. The Chargers were much better defending the run when inside linebacker Denzel Perryman was on the field, but for a third straight season, he struggled to stay healthy. The Chargers need to add a rangy, athletic linebacker through free agency or the draft who can play the run next to Perryman.

Bring back Matt Slauson or Kenny Wiggins: Head coach Anthony Lynn would like to get bigger and more physical up front. He could accomplish that by using guys that were already on the roster last season. The Chargers essentially get another draft pick back, with last year’s second-round selection, Forrest Lamp, returning from an ACL knee injury that forced him to miss all of the 2017 season. Lynn said the team might consider looking at last year’s third-round selection, Dan Feeney, at center. That would leave the Bolts looking for a left guard in free agency and possibly bringing back Slauson or Wiggins to fill the void.