Since Smith took over as general manager in 2003, with the exception of wide receiver David Boston, no preeminent free agents have signed with the Chargers during the offseasons. Boston, considered an elite talent with the Arizona Cardinals after the 2002 season, was a complete bust with San Diego, and many believe that failure has scared Smith off from adding the more popular players through free agency.
For most of his tenure as Chargers general manager, Smith has focused on building his team more through the draft. That is, in fact, the best way to restock the roster, but the draft selections have not turned out well since 2007, so the talent level has diminished considerably over the last five years. As a result, the Chargers didn't make the playoffs in 2010 or 2011.
Given the lack of success in recent drafts, it is now in Smith's best interests to utilize the free agent route much more than ever before. San Diego needs to improve its stable of pass-rushers, so adding Houston Texans defensive end/outside linebacker Mario Williams could be a big step towards turning a weakness into a strength. If Smith doesn't think Williams would be a good fit in the Chargers' 3-4 scheme, he could instead sign New Orleans Saints offensive guard Carl Nicks, as the offensive line desperately needs an elite talent to set the ultimate standard of protecting quarterback Philip Rivers and opening holes for running back Ryan Mathews. If Nicks isn't a possibility, a fallback option could be Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Ben Grubbs, another road-grader who would fill in nicely at left guard for the retired Kris Dielman. Nevertheless, Smith can't sit back and fail to pursue the better free agents this offseason.
"We have to gain back our NFL respect and credibility," Smith told U-T San Diego's Kevin Acee. "That means get back in the tournament."
In order for that to happen, many players on the current roster--such as Mathews, wide receiver Vincent Brown, inside linebacker Donald Butler, and cornerbacks Antoine Cason and Marcus Gilchrist--must step up, and Smith should retain left tackle Jared Gaither, center Nick Hardwick, and a few others. It will also help if Smith selects an impact player in the first round of April's draft. Unlike past years, however, using just the draft to add talent is not an acceptable approach to the offseason. With glaring holes at several key positions, Smith has to do something big this offseason. Otherwise, he'll most likely be unemployed at this time next year.
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