Chargers News: Bolts Skating on Thin Ice with Safety Options Heading into Training Camp

How will they approach this need?

The Los Angeles Chargers will finally get some down-time over these next couple of weeks to really take a look at their roster and decide if there are any last-minute changes they want to make. They already had some great OTA's along with a minicamp highlighted by the return of a number of their stars and everything seems to be coming together.

But their reliability at safety may still be their biggest flaw. Alohi Gilman was solid in 2022 when he received playing time in spurts but are the Bolts willing to bank on him consistently producing? Nasir Adderley was a starter of the past three years for the squad before announcing his retirement and that now leaves LA with a lot to think about. Derwin James is excellent at what he does but everybody needs help.

Remember when Derwin James body slammed Travis Kelce 😳pic.twitter.com/qWiXAuCawf

— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) June 4, 2023

This is exactly why a John Johnson III signing seemed all but confirmed earlier in the offseason when the Chargers made a slew of free agency moves. However, he remains on the market still and it doesn't seem like their talks have progressed at all. Therefore, The Athletic's Daniel Popper has made it clear that LA's front office needs to work with the coaching staff and decide if they believe in their young guys enough at this spot.

John Johnson III interception pic.twitter.com/FOOeb4P0uT

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) July 31, 2021

"Staley likes to move James around all over the field, including into the slot. And when James moves around, that third safety comes on to take his spot on the back end. If Woods does not take a big step forward and prove himself a trustworthy tackler and deep-field safety, Staley will have a pretty glaring hole in his defense."

(Via The Athletic)

I think we all know that there will be plenty of touchdowns coming the way of the Chargers in 2023 but their defense will need to improve vastly as well in order to become a true contender!