The Los Angeles Chargers have gotten off to a pretty decent start in free agency. With the signing of Tyler Biadasz to a three year, 30 million dollar deal, they were able to bolster their offensive line while still maintaining their ample cap space. Now they can shift their focus to improving the team at larger. While running back isn’t a position of worry for them, they could be in line to acquire a certain AFC East running back who could reunite with Mike McDaniel.
De’Von Achane is an intriguing option for the Chargers not only because of his McDaniel connections but because of his speed and elusiveness. Still on his four year rookie deal, he would also come on the cheap.
A Dynamic Weapon Who Fits the System
The one true caveat would be if the Dolphins should choose to extend him. He is coming off a Pro Bowl season where he did rush for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns. He also averaged 5.7 yards per carry, which led the NFL in that statistic. What with the Dolphins’ struggles last season, they may want to keep him around instead of shopping him.
However, the Chargers also have some running back issues to deal with. While Omarion Hampton emerged last season after being their first round draft pick, he and Najee Harris were often out injured. As a result, the offense largely stagnated because of it. By acquiring a player like Achane, the Chargers are adding much needed explosiveness and a player who has largely been available throughout his career.
With McDaniel at the helm and Justin Herbert quarterbacking the offense, Achane could thrive in the familiarity with the system. By adding more tempo and versatility to the scheme, the Chargers could utilize Achane in a wider variety of ways. His role with the Dolphins in comparison may be diminished as they try to develop an offensive identity.
Miami’s Extension Dilemma
The question for the Dolphins is more about whether an extension would be worth it for Achane. He has been more than serviceable for them throughout the first three seasons of his career and has provided Pro Bowl caliber play. Now though, with the massive cap hit the Dolphins took in releasing Tua, they may need to be more cautious with their money.
Achane could demand upwards of 10 million dollars annually, which while not at the top of the market, is still a lot to pay for a young running back. This could be where the Chargers have the advantage.
For the Chargers, Achane is exactly the kind of player they want in their offense: young, dynamic and cheap. With the acquisition of Achane, the Chargers can still have room to acquire players at much more pressing positions of need. Achane is more of a surplus to what they are already doing.
Should the Chargers be serious about Achane, it could be the move that ultimately diversifies the offense enough to take the pressure off Herbert. As a result, it could produce Super Bowl caliber offensive numbers.
Chargers Could Be In Hunt for AFC East Running Back