Offseason: RFA's part 2

Here's where things get really interesting. Barring a new CBA, these five will be RFAs this year:

WR Malcom Floyd
WR Vincent Jackson
OT Marcus McNeill
OLB Shawne Merriman
RB Darren Sproles

Lets start at the top. Floyd will be back, probably given a first round tender (per Kevin Acee). Maybe they sign a long term deal, but I think that only happens if Jackson somehow gets away.

Speaking of Jackson, he had his third arrest on Sunday before the game. Nothing too serious, but it is his third strike (or a least, a foul tip). He's a funny guy to figure out: (almost) totally selfless on the field (flag kicking aside), a huge producer, a game changer. Apparently an idiot off the field, at least sometimes. I don't see him getting away, and I think there's good odds on him getting a long term contract. Worst case, a first and third round tender.

McNeill must stay. Must must must. It would be idiotic to give your franchise player 90+ million and build the offense around him and then not give him what he needs to succeed. What he needs is McNeill, or another Pro-Bowl left tackle, and there aren't that many of them around. Hopefully this can be a long term deal for Marcus. He's one of my favorite players, and he deserves to get paid after out performing his second round rookie contract. Seriously, this guy made less in 4 years than a lot of guys make in 4 games, and I wouldn't blame him for wanting to be rewarded generously. I think it will happen. At the very least he gets a franchise tag.

Merriman... this is going to be interesting. His sack production was way down this year as he battled injuries (again), and there is not so secret tension between him and management. Still, he was productive at times, he's getting healthier, and at worst he's an above average OLB. I have to think his market value has declined considerably, so maybe there is a chance of an affordable long term deal (assuming AJ even wants him back). Acee thinks a franchise tag will be used to retain him, and I agree that seems like the most probably outcome.

Finally, Sproles. This is a tough call, and its a tough spot for him. Last year he was an UFA and the Chargers tagged him. So really becoming a RFA is a step backwards for him, which doesn't really seem fair at all (cue violin for guy making 6 million a year to play a game). Still, he is protected by the RFA rules. If the Chargers put an RFA tender on him, he's guaranteed 110% of last year's salary, which will be over 7 million. I just don't see that happening, even for him. I think he's either going to get a long term deal done, or he'll be tagged and traded or allowed to walk. Hopefully AJ and Sproles can see the value of their situation. He fits so well into this offense and is such a weapon.

All in all its a lot to figure out, let alone predict how someone else will figure out. My instinct tells me that all these guys will be back next year for another run.