TEAM NEEDS/OFFSEASON STRATEGY

What will be interesting to see once the draft arrives is if the Chargers think they are OK at wide receiver.

On the surface there doesn't seem to be any question, what with Vincent Jackson having a breakout year with more than 1,000 receiving yards and savvy veteran Chris Chambers on the opposite side.

But Jackson is in general manager A. J. Smith's doghouse after being arrested during the week of the second round of the playoffs for driving under the influence.

And Chambers had games in which he disappeared, although the team points to the numerous weapons the offense possesses for his drop off in production.

Then there is Craig Davis, a first-round pick two years ago. He didn't do much his rookie year and last year he spent most of the season on IR because of a groin injury.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Strong safety: The Chargers' pass defense was horrible last year. It wasn't all Clinton Hart's fault but it's obvious the team seeks a hard-hitter on the back end to strike some fear into receivers. That pass defense should improve with the return of a healthy Shawne Merriman, but an upgrade at strong safety would help as well.

2. Right guard: The departure of Mike Goff as a free agent and the lack of depth behind him is a concern. If the Chargers can fill the right guard spot, there might not as much urgency to try and replace right tackle Jeromey Clary as well. The Chargers must shore the right side of the line, but the biggest void is at tackle.

3. Defensive end: With Igor Olshansky being allowed to flee in free agency, the Chargers aren't certain they have a bona fide started on the roster. The team could fill this need through the draft.

MEDICAL WATCH: No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER: RB Darren Sproles: Tendered at $6.621M.

TRANSITION PLAYER: None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--OLB Marques Harris was used on passing downs and has shown some promise, but he won't be re-signed.

--C Jeremy Newberry was a valuable backup when Nick Hardwick was injured early last season, but the Chargers won't re-sign him.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--WR Malcom Floyd (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) has a good connection with QB Philip Rivers and can be a solid red-zone target. Injuries slowed him some down the stretch last year.

--CB Cletis Gordon (tendered at $1.545M with second-round pick as compensation) surprised some by getting that tender as some of his shortcomings were exposed when playing extended stretches last year. But he is a solid special teams player and has potential as a returner.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED

--OT Jeromey Clary: ERFA; $460,000/1 yr.

--OG Kynan Forney: Potential UFA; $4.8M/2 yrs, SB unknown.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED

--LB Kevin Burnett: UFA Cowboys; $5.5M/2 yrs, $2M SB.

PLAYERS LOST

--RB Eldra Buckley (released).

--OG Mike Goff: UFA Chiefs; terms unknown.

--DE Igor Olshansky: UFA Cowboys; $18M/4 yrs, $8M guaranteed.

--LB Anthony Waters (released).