As the Los Angeles Chargers look to put the 2017 season behind them, the team have made a number of moves looking forward to 2018.
On Monday, they signed 6 players, and 3 the following day, to reserve/future contracts. To be available for this type of contract, a player mustn’t be on an NFL active roster at the end of the year.
The following players were signed:
- C Cole Toner
- OL Brett Boyko
- WR Andre Patton
- WR Artavis Scott
- TE Braedon Bowman
- DE Whitney Richardson
- OLB James Onwuala
- CB Jeff Richards
- S A.J Hendy
Each player either ended the year on the practice squad, or was on it during the year. Only two players saw time on the active roster.
The first of those, was James Onwaula, who signed with the team as an undrafted free agent after the ’17 draft. He made enough of an impact throughout the preseason to be named in HC Anthony Lynn’s first 53-man roster. This was partly down to his special teams ability, and the lack of depth the Chargers had at linebacker. The rookie played 42.19% of ST snaps and made 8 tackles during the year. Though, he didn’t see the field on defense. He was replaced on the roster by cornerback Craig Mager just before the second Kansas City game, as the team needed extra depth at CB.
Offensive lineman Brett Boyko was the other player to feature on the active roster, albeit, briefly. 10 days to be precise, as he was promoted from the PS for the New York Jets fixture. However, he only featured on two ST snaps.  Boyko started his career with Philadelphia, but has been on and off the Chargers books for the last two seasons after receiving the same contract last January.
Another name that intrigues me, is center Cole Toner. Originally a 5th round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2016, he has since been on a practice squad merry-go-round. Toner has appeared on the Bengals, Patriots, and now Chargers practice teams. The Bolts could do with some help at the position, with the probable departure of veteran Matt Slauson.
Strength in depth is huge in the NFL, so you would hope a few of these signings can challenge for a place on the active roster next season.
–Thomas Herd is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. He covers the Los Angeles Chargers. Follow him on Twitter @chargers_uk.
