Interesting article discussing the SD salary cap situation...
http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2012/3/12/2864738/san-diego-chargers-salary-cap-fun?ref=yahoo
It actually paints a pretty bright picture, assuming they release McNeil. Still, I know I sound like a broken record, here is the SD starting OL as of now...
LT - Dombroski(Shouldn't make the team as he simply can't pass block. At all.)
LG - Green(Awful, shouldn't even be in the league.)
C - Baxter(He's better than Green, if for no other reason because he hasn't had as much playing time to prove that he's horrible.)
RG - Vasquez(I guess he's the "stud" on the OL by default. I'd like to see him stay as the backup guard in an ideal world.)
RT - Clary(He's not good but I wouldn't mind him sticking around as a backup OT.)
... if they keep this group, or even most of this group, then they may as well just go out and sign 2-3 top FA QB's because nobody is going to survive a season behind them.
FA T's
Gaither - If they can't convince Gaither to stay it will be a major blow. The only OLman that looked any good last year imo. I'd overpay him if they have to.
McKenzie - Solid if unspectacular. A little older and definite stop-gap but still an improvement imo. Giants have said they aren't bringing him back. Value play due to age.
Bell - Plays well when he's healthy, but he's not always healthy. Again, big improvement. Value play due to injury history.
FA G's
Nicks - Forget it. He'll get paid like a tackle and SD has too many holes to fill with a single great player.
Grubbs - This is the guy I really hope they sign. Pro-Bowl talent that won't be cheap but should be a lot cheaper than Nicks.
Brisiel - HOU trying to chase Manning, keep Williams and others. A tough/physical mentality SD desperately needs.
Mathis - A little older but so much better than what they currently have. If the price is right...
FA C's (So many people say they need to bring back Hardwick, why not improve the position?)
Myers - Again, HOU has big targets on its radar and it seems to me a few guys may slip through their fingers due to cap constraints.
Wells - Better than Hardwick as an anchor of an OL that doesn't stink.
Saturday - This would probably require a mid round pick to groom as his eventual replacement. Seems like the perfect player to coach a younger player, possibly sharing the position as the season progresses. Might be a bonus if you lay the groundwork if Saturday someday wants to be an OL coach.
FA WR's (Any value guys from this list, there are so many on the market)
Robinson - Norv is already a fan, wanted to keep him last year. I think he could come close to matching VJ's numbers as a full time starter. Almost equaled VJ's production as a part time starter in DAL last season.
Meacham - NO is in salary cap hell right now and they have so many higher FA priorities right now. He has the size and speed AJ typically likes.
Morgan - SF just signed Moss and Morgan has never had a chance to be a part of an offense like the one in SD. Seems to perpetually on the "sleeper" list but the stars might just align if you plug him into the VJ spot in the SD offense. Low risk/high reward type play.
Garcon - Seems like the type of guy that thinks he's going to sign a huge contract but there are a bunch of WR's out there.
Wayne - Everyone just assumes he'll follow Manning wherever he ends up, but I'm not sure why.
FA TE's (Gates will miss a few games and another pass catching TE to team with a cheap WR would replace VJ just fine)
Carlson/Davis/Clark/Shockey/Bennett/Shiancoe - None of these guys are going to break the bank and they all have proven to be capable receivers.
FA Special Teams
Ginn - Double duty as a returner and a backup WR. Wouldn't cost much.
Bush - Would help the ST coverage and can contribute as a dime/nickel back.
FA DL
Williams - Too fragile, too many holes to spend that much $ on one guy.
Soliai - Much like the Hardwick situation, why bring back Garay who anchored a disappointing line last year? Why not improve the position on the unit you are trying to improve?
Abraham - Getting up there in age so might be affordable. Ideally, you would rotate him depending on the situation with a guy like Red Bryant. I'd be willing to bet that Soliai/Abraham/Bryant all combine for a much smaller contract than Mario Williams will sign.
FA LB
Maybin - Probably not worth the pick but he's exactly the type of player they need to create big plays.
Lofton - Tatupu signing means ATL won't work on bringing him back? Versatile talent with sideline to sideline pursuit.
Wimbley - You hear different rumors about how much interest there actually is in this guy. If the price is right they could certainly use another pass rusher.
FA DB
Marshall - Solid at both CB and S. Pushes Cason back to nickle back until there's an injury.
Kind of like WR, there are ton of guys out there that could push for a starting job in SD. Not all of them are going to sign for big contracts. Just find a cheap vet looking to earn his next contract.
I'm not saying they need to sign ALL these guys, just pointing out that there are plenty of FA's on the market that won't cost a kings ransom and could contribute a great deal to the Chargers next season. AJ built this mess to some degree, and there's definitely an opportunity for him to address the many needs this team has in a single off season.