***OFFICIAL*** San Diego (?) Chargers 2016 Offseason Thread (2 Viewers)

[BoltBacker]

There goes any reason to be interested in watching the Charger game. I guess maybe see Hunter Henry in action? Maybe to find out if Travis Benjamin has been released from witness protection? Haven't heard a single positive blurb about him and Rivers loves to pump guys up this time of year. I fully expect to be impressed as Inman looks good against other guys that should be on the roster bubble.....


Tyrell Williams - WR - Chargers



The Chargers are holding WR Tyrell Williams out of their preseason opener due to "leg tightness."
The malady isn't known to be serious enough that we're going to mark Williams as "sidelined," but the Chargers' decision to play it so safely with Williams may be an indication he's a big part of their 2016 plans. That especially became the case when Stevie Johnson (knee) was lost for the year. Consider Williams day to day at worst. He will probably return to practice next week.

 
 
Source: Michael Gehlken on Twitter
Aug 13 - 6:45 PM

 

[BoltBacker]

For all the talk of an improved OL, Wiggins started their first preseason game. I'll believe it when I see it, but at least C won't be the worst position on the team for the first time in years. Speaks to their depth on the OL.

At some point do they send out a search party for Travis Benjamin? May be the quietest FA signing in recent memory.

Was really disappointed in Mett, but I have no idea what type of receivers they had in the second half. Based on Johnson/Williams/Benjamin all being out and poor depth in the first place I am assuming there were car-wash attendants playing in the first half.

It's nice this team has so much depth they can afford to use draft picks on punters.

 

[Sebowski]

You guys see AJ's take on the Bosa situation? Can't post from my thing here... Basically told Bosa to GTFO

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

You guys see AJ's take on the Bosa situation? Can't post from my thing here... Basically told Bosa to GTFO

Screw aj. 

 

[Tau837]

Was really disappointed in Mett, but I have no idea what type of receivers they had in the second half. Based on Johnson/Williams/Benjamin all being out and poor depth in the first place I am assuming there were car-wash attendants playing in the first half.

Every report from training camp has been that Mettenberger has been terrible. Clemens is going to be the #2 QB, you might as well accept that.

 

[BoltBacker]

Every report from training camp has been that Mettenberger has been terrible. Clemens is going to be the #2 QB, you might as well accept that.

The problem is I still have is with people accepting Rivers will suffer no dropoff(or even still be in the league) in 4 years at the age of 39. Some folks seem to argue every year SD shouldn't draft a young QB to develop so that would leave the franchise with a 37yo Kellen Clemens to take over, or chasing an expensive QB in FA(cos that always works), or starting a rookie QB. IMO a plan of desperation for a QB in the future is always a bad one so I would give a 25yo Mett a lot of rope this year. I guess another problem I have is a 34yo Rivers + a 33yo Clemons = a 4 win team last season. It's not like SD is a win from gutting out a SB season just in case Rivers misses a game.

Lastly, I also couldn't care less who "Rivers want in the room", that's how SD ended up with a black hole at center for the past 4 years as Rivers would still be fighting for Hardwick at C if he had his way. If Rivers has had more influence over roster construction over the years it may not be a coincidence his win total has dwindled. Play poker with Hardwick and Clemens in the offseason, Phil. With the money you're being payed you can buy an island and spend half the year with your male friends if you have to get away from the kids.

 

[Tau837]

The problem is I still have is with people accepting Rivers will suffer no dropoff(or even still be in the league) in 4 years at the age of 39. Some folks seem to argue every year SD shouldn't draft a young QB to develop so that would leave the franchise with a 37yo Kellen Clemens to take over, or chasing an expensive QB in FA(cos that always works), or starting a rookie QB. IMO a plan of desperation for a QB in the future is always a bad one so I would give a 25yo Mett a lot of rope this year. I guess another problem I have is a 34yo Rivers + a 33yo Clemons = a 4 win team last season. It's not like SD is a win from gutting out a SB season just in case Rivers misses a game.

Lastly, I also couldn't care less who "Rivers want in the room", that's how SD ended up with a black hole at center for the past 4 years as Rivers would still be fighting for Hardwick at C if he had his way. If Rivers has had more influence over roster construction over the years it may not be a coincidence his win total has dwindled. Play poker with Hardwick and Clemens in the offseason, Phil. With the money you're being payed you can buy an island and spend half the year with your male friends if you have to get away from the kids.

1. The team signed Rivers to a 4 year contract extension. Sure he will age during the contract, but recent results show that QBs can play well into their late 30s. And Rivers is more durable than just about every QB in the league.
   
2. The team has been riddled with roster holes for at least the past 4 years or so. (And arguably still is.)
   
3. The bust rate on QBs drafted late is very high, so using a late draft pick on a QB is very unlikely to result in getting a quality backup QB.
   
4. But combining #1 and #2 is why it doesn't make sense to use an early round pick on a backup QB.
   

 

[Tau837]

So, a few observations from preseason game #1.

1. FB Watt did not impress. Hopefully we can chalk it up to first game rookie nerves or something. If not, Swain could easily beat him out, if it is a true and fair competition for the job.

2. Emanuel seems to have beaten out Attaochu appears for the starting OLB spot across from Ingram. Attaochu was playing snaps in the 4Q of preseason game #1, which is not a good sign in and of itself. Worse, he didn't record a single tackle as the Titans ran all over the Chargers. I assume he will make the team, but this is quite a surprise.

3. Small sample size, but Gordon looked good. Better than at any point last season IMO.

 

[BoltBacker]

TEN already gave up DGB for a backup OL, I have been saying even before the Stevie Johnson injury the Chargers should be chasing Hunter(Wish they would have traded for DGB but they don't have a backup OL)......


Justin Hunter - WR - Titans



ESPN Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky still believes Justin Hunter is a "goner" in Tennessee.
In other words, even the Dorial Green-Beckham trade isn't going to save Hunter. The Titans would probably take anything they can get for the former second-round pick, but his trade value is nil. He's still behind Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, Kendall Wright, Andre Johnson, and Tre McBride on the depth chart. If cut, we'd expect a team to claim Hunter when he hits waivers.

 
 
Source: ESPN.com

 

[BoltBacker]

Justin Hunter - WR - Titans



The Nashville Tennessean believes Justin Hunter could meet a "similar fate" to Dorial Green-Beckham in Tennessee.
Hunter himself admits his roster spot is in danger. "It is still going to be hard (to make the team) because we have a lot of talented receivers in the group," Hunter said. "I feel like everybody is on the chopping block. We have a new GM, and he didn’t draft too many people in here. Anybody could go at this point, and we are all fighting for a spot." ESPN's Paul Kuharsky believes Hunter is a "goner." He'll either be cut or traded for a day-three pick, probably a conditional one at that.

 
 
Source: Nashville Tennessean

 

[nittanylion]

Tyrell Williams 4/47/0 on 6 targets thus far. Anyone watching this live who can tell what he looks like in real time, and what the announcers are saying about him?

 

[Tau837]

Tyrell Williams 4/47/0 on 6 targets thus far. Anyone watching this live who can tell what he looks like in real time, and what the announcers are saying about him?

Keep in mind, Rivers did not play, and the Chargers backup QBs are pretty bad. Point being, that line looks a bit more impressive given that context.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Clemens is decent on short and intermediate passes, but every time he throws it 25+ yards downfield, he shifts his weight to his back foot and the ball floats in the general direction he wants, but without any precision.

I'm totally in favor of giving Bercovici legitimate consideration for the number two job.

 

[Tau837]

Clemens is decent on short and intermediate passes, but every time he throws it 25+ yards downfield, he shifts his weight to his back foot and the ball floats in the general direction he wants, but without any precision.

I'm totally in favor of giving Bercovici legitimate consideration for the number two job.

I agree on giving the job to Bercovici. It doesn't matter if they keep Clemens, Mettenberger, or Bercovici, if Rivers goes down, the season is over. So might as well keep the guy who is youngest and cheapest and has not yet proven he cannot grow into a solid backup or better.

That said, that isn't what I expect the team to do, barring a late surge in Bercovici's play. I expect the team to try to get Bercovici to the practice squad, and I assume that will work. I expect the team to most likely keep Clemens, because McCoy likes him and prefers a veteran backup. I might have thought Mettenberger would have a shot at beating Clemens out given his connection with Whisenhunt, but he has just been flat out terrible in training camp and preseason.

 

[Tau837]

Justin Hunter - WR - Titans



The Nashville Tennessean believes Justin Hunter could meet a "similar fate" to Dorial Green-Beckham in Tennessee.
Hunter himself admits his roster spot is in danger. "It is still going to be hard (to make the team) because we have a lot of talented receivers in the group," Hunter said. "I feel like everybody is on the chopping block. We have a new GM, and he didn’t draft too many people in here. Anybody could go at this point, and we are all fighting for a spot." ESPN's Paul Kuharsky believes Hunter is a "goner." He'll either be cut or traded for a day-three pick, probably a conditional one at that.

 
 
Source: Nashville Tennessean

Not sure why you are posting about Hunter in the Chargers thread. They aren't going after him, nor should they. They already have 4 WRs locked in: Allen, Benjamin, Williams, and Jones. IMO Inman and Burse are in consideration for a 5th WR spot, and that is all the Chargers will keep. Inman is known to the Chargers, and they seem to like him. Burse has flashed in training camp and preseason.

Why is there any reason to believe Hunter would beat any of those guys out? Hint: there isn't. WR is one of the few positions where the Chargers have good starters and good depth.

 

[BoltBacker]

WR is one of the few positions where the Chargers have good starters and good depth.

Just like last year, huh?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

 WR is one of the few positions where the Chargers have good starters and good depth.

Its keenan allen and a bunch of jags not counting the tes. Why has travis benjamin been such a no show. And james jones without aaron rodgers seems useless. 

 

[Tau837]

Just like last year, huh?

Allen going down for 8 games last season hurt big time. If your point is that you would like to have another Allen on the roster, I agree 100%. Or, heck, why not 2 more? 3 more? Where do I sign up?

I will grant you, if the OL gets ravaged by injuries again, and Gordon sucks again, and Allen misses half the season again, and one or more other WRs miss several of those same games, the offense may struggle.

The thing is, if all that happens, having Hunter instead of Inman or Burse wouldn't make any difference. If you don't see that, I don't really know what to tell you.

 

[Tau837]

Its keenan allen and a bunch of jags not counting the tes. Why has travis benjamin been such a no show. And james jones without aaron rodgers seems useless. 

Benjamin has had a hamstring issue. He has had some strong days in training camp. IMO he will be fine. The only time we have seen Jones without Rodgers is when he was playing with a rookie QB. IMO he will look a lot better with Rivers than he did with Carr. He is the #4 WR, so he isn't expected or needed to make a huge impact, just to be a reliable veteran presence for #4 WR snaps, particularly in the red zone.

 

[nittanylion]

More Tyrell Williams, please!

...BSS, you don't really think he's just a JAG, do you?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Benjamin has had a hamstring issue. He has had some strong days in training camp. IMO he will be fine. The only time we have seen Jones without Rodgers is when he was playing with a rookie QB. IMO he will look a lot better with Rivers than he did with Carr. He is the #4 WR, so he isn't expected or needed to make a huge impact, just to be a reliable veteran presence for #4 WR snaps, particularly in the red zone.

Didnt jmaes jones get cut by the nyg??? 

 

[Bucky86]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/08/24/chargers-statement-on-joey-bosa/

[Editor’s note: The Chargers have issued a statement regarding the stalled contract talks with defensive end Joey Bosa. The full text of it appears below.]

The San Diego Chargers issued the following statement regarding the contract negotiations with 2016 first-round selection Joey Bosa:

Our contract discussions and offers to the representatives of Joey Bosa have been both fair and structurally consistent with the contracts of every other Chargers player.

Our offer included:

1. An initial signing bonus payment that is larger than any player in the League has received in the last two drafts.

2. More money in this calendar year than every player in this year’s draft except one (QB Carson Wentz&lt.

3. The largest payment and the highest percentage of signing bonus received in the first calendar year of any Chargers’ first-round selection since the inception of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (2011).

We gave Joey’s representatives our best offer last night, which was rejected today.  The offer that we extended was for Joey to contribute during all 16 games and beyond.  Joey’s ability to contribute for an entire rookie season has now been jeopardized by the valuable time he has missed with his coaches and his teammates. Since Joey will not report at this time, his ability to produce not just early in the season, but throughout the entire season, has been negatively impacted.

As a result, we will restructure our offer since Joey will be unable to contribute for the full 16 game season without the adequate time on the practice field, in the classroom, and in preseason games.

 

[Bucky86]

Kind of hard to fault the Chargers if thats all true. Why would anybody want to pay all this guaranteed money upfront without getting a full season from their player.  

Sucks for the Chargers. Total waste of a pick that they get ZERO out of. Not even a compensatory pick. Oof. :X  

Also, at this point if you're the Chargers why would you want to give in anymore to Bosa for whatever else he is asking for? Clearly this guy won't be signing another deal with you, and has shown a "money first" attitude before even stepping on the field. Whose to say he want "play it safe" years 4/5 until he gets to sign another big contract elsewhere. SMH. Bad research by the Chargers.

 

[Tau837]

1. An initial signing bonus payment that is larger than any player in the League has received in the last two drafts.

Does this mean in the 2014 and 2015 drafts or the 2015 and 2016 drafts? If the latter, it seems like a pro for the Chargers offer. If the former, it is not nearly as meaningful IMO.

3. The largest payment and the highest percentage of signing bonus received in the first calendar year of any Chargers’ first-round selection since the inception of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (2011).

This is completely irrelevant. He was by far their highest draft pick in that span.

2. More money in this calendar year than every player in this year’s draft except one (QB Carson Wentz&lt.

This seems like a pro for the Chargers offer. However, it has been reported that Bosa wanted all of his bonus this calendar year or wanted the offset language removed. This does not meet either of those criteria.

Kind of hard to fault the Chargers if thats all true. Why would anybody want to pay all this guaranteed money upfront without getting a full season from their player.

I disagree. If it is true that Bosa wanted all of his bonus this year or offset language removed, and offset language is that important to the Chargers, then they could have paid him his entire bonus this calendar year. Pay whatever they always intended up front and pay the rest on 12/31/2016, instead of waiting until March. That is what it comes down to. There would have never been a holdout if they were willing to pay the balance of his signing bonus 2-3 months sooner.

Having said all that, I do find it hard to believe that Bosa is going to take this into the season and actually lose money, since part of this is about money. It would be idiotic of him to sit out the season and re-enter the draft. He would very likely be a lower draft pick, so he would lose millions in signing bonus, and he would miss out on being a year closer to his second contract, which is where the real money is to be made if he plays well.

Pulling the offer implies they are going to make the terms worse if and when Bosa decides to sign before the season. Ensuring that it will take even longer and creating more acrimony. And taking this public just makes it that much worse, since they are doing it to paint Bosa in a bad light and try to pressure him.

Spanos gonna Spanos. Chargers gonna Chargers.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Kevin Acee: "Chargers have more than doubled percentage they are offering this year. Bosa hardly budged, if at all. I've taken Chargers to task in this. They have taken curious stands. But they've negotiated. Joey Bosa's side really hasn't."

 

[JoeSteeler]

what happens (i seriously doubt it will) if they cant come to an agreement? Does Bosa go back into the draft next tear?

 

[Bucky86]

Kevin Acee: "Chargers have more than doubled percentage they are offering this year. Bosa hardly budged, if at all. I've taken Chargers to task in this. They have taken curious stands. But they've negotiated. Joey Bosa's side really hasn't."

Wow. Seems like it boils more down to him not wanting to be a Charger at all. 

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

what happens (i seriously doubt it will) if they cant come to an agreement? Does Bosa go back into the draft next tear?

Yes. I'm not sure where he'd be selected in the 2017 draft -- probably not top three.

 

[WheelsUp]

This is slotted, their are very little negotiations so this is the Chargers not giving what they should. It isnt like the Chargers are not known for playing hardball. I would name the players but I dont want to get a cramp in my wrist from something that isnt enjoyable.

 

[Tau837]

Yes. I'm not sure where he'd be selected in the 2017 draft -- probably not top three.

I have heard it said that in many drafts, he would not have gone as high, implying that it was a weak draft for DEs. Not sure if that is true, but teams would certainly likely have concern over him missing a whole season for what appears to be foolish, if not unreasonable, negotiating position as well as being away from the game a year. He would almost certainly cost himself several million dollars.

ETA: I blame the Chargers for this situation, but I also think Bosa has been really foolish and hurt himself professionally. He may have already also hurt himself financially.

 

[Unwrittenlaw]

Does Farrow make the team? Someone needs to replace Woodhead this year or next year.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Just got some bull#### email explaining the chargers side of the bosa contract hold out. What a stupid ### organization. 

 

[Gr00vus]

Just got some bull#### email explaining the chargers side of the bosa contract hold out. What a stupid ### organization. 

They just don't get it.

 

[BoltBacker]

Allen going down for 8 games last season hurt big time. If your point is that you would like to have another Allen on the roster, I agree 100%. Or, heck, why not 2 more? 3 more? Where do I sign up?

I will grant you, if the OL gets ravaged by injuries again, and Gordon sucks again, and Allen misses half the season again, and one or more other WRs miss several of those same games, the offense may struggle.

The thing is, if all that happens, having Hunter instead of Inman or Burse wouldn't make any difference. If you don't see that, I don't really know what to tell you.

My point is the way to build depth is having guys fighting for roster spots. 

Yes, I would love to have another Allen. Or to draft a WR to develop to take over for Malcolm Floyd but I was told the WR position was well stocked last year..... could have fooled me.

For the love of god can we all STOP with the OL "injury" excuse. The truth is at LT you have a journeyman that will be turning 31 in a few months with a concussion history that has played 16 games once in his career. Don't be SHOCKED if he doesn't play well..... when he does actually play. The LG position is the only one that should have surprised people last year. The C position was being manned by someone who has NEVER looked good in his career(despite the fact multiple people explained to me he was going to be much better) and his injury just meant a different guy that stinks was out there on the field. At RG you had(and HAVE) a guy that has been steadily regressing for years now, no matter what Telesco is willing to pay him. At RT You have another journeyman type who probably had the best year of his career last year. Overall, Barksdale was better than they should have expected and Franklin was worse. Full stop. This myth that injuries just killed the Chargers OL last year is ridiculous. I am glad they signed Slauson and hope Barksdale has his second career year in a row but let's just be honest. It's a poor group with even worse depth. Just like the year before. And the year before. And the year before. And the year before. 

Gordon just is what he is, except now he's recovering from micro-fracture surgery. 

If you think guys like Inman, and Watt, and Jimmy Wilson, and Clemens shouldn't be fighting for a job just because Telesco thinks they are good enough(.... to get the third pick in the draft apparently) then I don't really know what to tell you. 

 

[BoltBacker]

Just got some bull#### email explaining the chargers side of the bosa contract hold out. What a stupid ### organization. 

I wonder if they will wait a couple of weeks before the email reminding you to vote to buy the Spanos family a shiny new stadium?

 

[BoltBacker]

Does Farrow make the team? Someone needs to replace Woodhead this year or next year.

I hope Gordon can take over that role. He's looked better in the passing game than I thought they should have expected and..... well, you know, they kind of need to get a RB that can run the ball for closer to 4y/c.

 

[Tau837]

If you think guys like Inman, and Watt, and Jimmy Wilson, and Clemens shouldn't be fighting for a job just because Telesco thinks they are good enough(.... to get the third pick in the draft apparently) then I don't really know what to tell you. 

Inman and Clemens are fighting for roster spots. Watt would be if he was healthy. Jimmy Wilson isn't on the roster. Did you post this from bizarro world?

 

[BoltBacker]

Inman and Clemens are fighting for roster spots. Watt would be if he was healthy. Jimmy Wilson isn't on the roster. Did you post this from bizarro world?

Yes, I am posting this from bizarro world - the arguments you were making at this time last year.

You have finally been backpedaling from most of the takes from last year, but you still seemed convinced the Chargers don't need help at WR.... because they signed James..... Jones. 

 

[Tau837]

Yes, I am posting this from bizarro world - the arguments you were making at this time last year.

You have finally been backpedaling from most of the takes from last year, but you still seemed convinced the Chargers don't need help at WR.... because they signed James..... Jones. 

I'm not backpedaling. Not sure what you are referencing there. I have certainly been wrong about players in the past, and I know you have, too. What's your point?

I'm not saying the Chargers couldn't benefit from help at WR, hence my comment that I'd like another couple Allen caliber players. What I am saying is that Hunter would not beat out the WRs the Chargers already have. Allen, Benjamin, Williams, Jones, and Inman are better than Hunter. Burse may also be better. Beyond that, if you ranked all of the positions of need for the Chargers, WR would be pretty low on the priority list IMO.

 

[trader jake]

if you ranked all of the positions of need for the Chargers, WR would be pretty low on the priority list IMO.

Agreed, the Chargers wideouts are the least of their concerns.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Agreed, the Chargers wideouts are the least of their concerns.

Shows you exactly how bad the team is right now

 

[rascal]

Is the most recent offer somehow not in line with what other top picks receive?  From my perspective it appears that Bosa is at fault.

 

[tangfoot]

Is the most recent offer somehow not in line with what other top picks receive?  From my perspective it appears that Bosa is at fault.

No, it is not in line with what every other top-5 pick has received in the past 5 years.

 

[ldizzle]

No, it is not in line with what every other top-5 pick has received in the past 5 years.

How? I get that other #3 picks haven't but that's arbitrary. Other top 5 picks have had this kind of deal. Even this year. 

 

[Bob Magaw]

Yes. I'm not sure where he'd be selected in the 2017 draft -- probably not top three.

How soon does he have to report and accrue the year towards his second contract - week 10?

 

[ldizzle]

How soon does he have to report and accrue the year towards his second contract - week 10?

Found this:

a player must be on (or should have been on) full pay status for six or more regular season games.

As with players earning Credited Seasons, a player can’t accrue seasons if he is on the Exempt Commissioner Permission List, the Reserve PUP List, a team’s practice squad, or the Injured Reserve List.

There is another parameter for gaining an Accrued Season in the new CBA. Any player under contract with a team that fails to report within 30 days prior to the first regular season game will not receive a season towards free agency.

Players are also required to provide their services if under contract. A player who, for a “material” extent of time, fails to fulfill and perform will also lose an Accrued Season. This is unless the player can prove to the Impartial Arbitrator extreme personal hardship.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Yes, I think he needs to sign and report by the Tuesday preceding the tenth game. (He's not currently under contract, so the "within 30 days" stuff that Idizzle quoted doesn't apply.)

 

[JaxBill]

How? I get that other #3 picks haven't but that's arbitrary. Other top 5 picks have had this kind of deal. Even this year. 

It's my understanding that the other Top 5 picks the last 3 years have had either the offset language or the bonus was spread out, but not both.

 

[Bob Magaw]

http://www.espn.com/blog/san-diego-chargers/post/_/id/17087/a-closer-look-at-joey-bosas-standoff-with-the-chargers

"There have been instances when players have sat out an entire season and gone back into the draft.

Those include most notably Bo Jackson, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1986. Jackson chose to play baseball and went back into the draft in 1987, when he was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round." (edit/add - but Bosa doesn't play baseball).

"According to ESPN Stats & Information, receiver Michael Crabtree was the last rookie to remain unsigned into the regular season. Selected No. 10 overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2009 draft, Crabtree did not sign his rookie deal until Oct. 7 of the regular season.

Tackle Bryant McKinnie is the longest rookie to remain unsigned. Selected No. 7 overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2002 draft, McKinnie did not sign his deal until Nov. 1 of that year.

The Chargers have a history of rookie first-round selections reporting late to Chargers Park, including LaDainian Tomlinson (2001, 30 days), Quentin Jammer (2002, 50 days), Philip Rivers (2004, 25 days), Shawne Merriman (2005, seven days) and Corey Liuget (2011, eight days)."

 

[Tau837]

The Chargers have a history of rookie first-round selections reporting late to Chargers Park, including LaDainian Tomlinson (2001, 30 days), Quentin Jammer (2002, 50 days), Philip Rivers (2004, 25 days), Shawne Merriman (2005, seven days) and Corey Liuget (2011, eight days)."

There are more examples than these. From The Joey Bosa situation is part of a decades-old pattern for the Chargers:

The Chargers have had 28 1st round draft picks since Alex Spanos purchased the franchise in August of 1984. Of that group, the following 1st round rookies missed part or all of training camp due to contract disputes:

1985 #12: Jim Lachey.

1986 #8: Leslie O'Neal and #13: James FitzPatrick.

1987 #24: Rod Bernstine.

1989 #8: Burt Grossman.

1990 #5: Junior Seau.

1991 #9: Stanley Richard.

1998 #2: Ryan Leaf.

2001 #5: LaDainian Tomlinson.

2002 #5: Quentin Jammer.

2004 #4: Philip Rivers (via trade).

2005 #12: Shawne Merriman.

2008 #27: Antoine Cason.

2009 #16: Larry English.

2010 #12: Ryan Mathews.

2011 #18: Corey Liuget.

2016 #3: Joey Bosa.

I read somewhere that the Chargers have had the same guy negotiating their contracts for 19 years, but, then again, this goes back further than his tenure. It's a Spanos thing.