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Could Former Chargers All-Pro Safety Return in Free Agency?

Originally posted on FanNation Charger Report
By Matt Levine | Last updated 2/19/24

With the Los Angeles Chargers' needs in the secondary , they could look to an old friend this offseason. Former Bolts All-Pro safety Adrian Phillips has been released by the New England Patriots as they look to get younger on their defense.

Phillips spent six seasons with the Chargers before he joined the Patriots in 2020. With him now available to sign, the Bolts become an interesting potential destination.

The #Patriots are also releasing veteran safety Adrian Phillips, per source. So two veterans on defense gone as New England gets younger in the post-Bill Belichick era. https://t.co/3bpB83aMjk
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 19, 2024

One of the biggest issues for the Chargers on the defensive side of the ball last season was their secondary. They were prone to giving up massive chunk plays each game, costing the team multiple potential wins.

Adding in a veteran like Phillips could help shore up the secondary and bring back a player who thrived during his time with the franchise. His only Pro Bowl appearance came in 2018 as a member of the Chargers, so he may be open to returning.

Last season for New England, Phillips played in all 17 games. He only had 17 tackles on the season due to a decreased playing role by the coaching staff.

He has spent most of his career as a starter after signing with the Bolts as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Phillips quickly rose the ranks of the depth chart, showing he could be a versatile asset on special teams as well.

While he wouldn't fix all the issues for the Bolts, Phillips could bring a more veteran attitude to the secondary. If anything, he would provide them with additional depth in a position that teams can never have enough bodies to work with

This article first appeared on FanNation Charger Report and was syndicated with permission.

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