With free agency upon us, Pro Football Focus ranked every team’s best and worst signings from the 2024 offseason.
Starting with the worst, PFF tabbed the signing of edge degender Bud Dupree under this category.
Dupree played 570 snaps this season but earned a 46.5 overall grade. While he recorded 27 pressures and six sacks, he isn’t a dominant pass rusher. Dupree may sign elsewhere for another cheap contract, but he likely isn’t going to be more than a mediocre rotational option at this point.
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Signed to a two-year deal last May, Dupree served as a rotational piece in Jesse Minter’s defense. He appeared in all 17 games, finishing with 28 tackles, six sacks, two passes defended, and a forced fumble.
The veteran was dependable in the role the Chargers brought him in for. If I were to put a player in this category, it would be wide receiver D.J. Chark. Chark was signed to add speed to the offense but failed to play more than half the season, only hauling in four catches.
Then, for the best free-agent signing last offseason, PFF gave the honors to defensive tackle Poona Ford.
Ford was signed last offseason for less than $2 million and was a revelation this season in Los Angeles. His 85.3 overall grade is the fifth-highest among qualified defensive tackles. He quickly became a crucial part of the Chargers’ defense, so his retention could be a priority for them this time around.
Ford had a resurgent season in Los Angeles. He was integral in stopping the run. His 80.3 PFF run-defense grade ranked third among interior defenders. Ford also had 25 quarterback pressures.
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Ford should be a top priority for the Chargers. The team is well-stocked in salary cap space, so even if he comes with a high price tag, the team should be able to afford him.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Who were the Chargers’ best and worst free agency signings in 2024?