The Los Angeles Chargers entered the offseason with almost the most cap space in the NFL. They chose to be very frugal, and while they signed a high number of free agents, they did not make any splash moves or add top-tier players.
After the NFL Draft, Jim Harbaugh and his team seem content to head into training camp with the roster that they have. However, they could still use some help on the defensive line as they currently have a bunch of rotational pieces, but no major cornerstones.
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report just dropped a list of every NFL team’s top roster needs, but also their most tradable assets. Now, this does not necessarily mean that these players are available, but based on need and depth, they are the most obvious players that teams could move if they hope to improve other areas.
A player that stood out to me who could enhance the Chargers’ defensive line in a big way is Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle David Onyemata.
Los Angeles Chargers Would Improve Defensive Line David Onyemata
The Falcons have very little cap space and are still being drug down by their decision to pay quarterback Kirk Cousins and then deciding to immediately draft his successor in the first round.
They have infused their defense with a ton of youth, specifically on the defensive line. Onyemata is 32 years old and carries a cap hit this year of nearly $17 million. Trading him post June 1 would give them a cap savings of $10.5 million, per Over The Cap.
The Chargers, on the other hand, could easily absorb his cap hit, and 2026 is a void year. So they could either re-sign him to a new contract or use him as a productive one-year rental.
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Last season, Onyemata finished with 45 total tackles and 3 sacks. He also finished with a 66.2 overall defensive grade on 567 snaps, per PFF. Another key factor has been his health. He has played in 14+ games in every season of his nine-year career.
Here is a look at the Chargers’ current interior depth chart:
- Da’Shawn Hand
- Teair Tart
- Otito Ogbonnia
Onyemata would be able to slide in at the nose and take the bulk of the snaps while rotating with Tart when needed.
Losing Poona Ford in free agency to the Los Angeles Rams will prove to be a major loss. Trading for David Onyemata could aid in replicating his production.