The San Diego Chargers are desperate for a left tackle after missing out on the top ones in the NFL draft last month and after being unable to sign anyone in free agency they have set their sights on former Pittsburgh Steelers player Max Starks.
According to NFL.com, Starks is visiting with the Chargers this week and he could be signed to a contract after the team missed out on bringing in Bryant McKinnie, who went back to the Ravens. The team could sign him to replace Jared Gaither, who they released despite a cap hit since he was injured and played poorly last season. The Chargers are desperate to protect Philip Rivers and the team needs a left tackle badly after missing out on Lane Johnson, Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher in the draft.
The team selected DJ Fluke to play on the right side and they are hoping that Starks can take over on the left side after starting 51 games for the Steelers over the past four years. The Steelers let him leave after trying to get younger on the line, but the Chargers can't afford to wait to get younger, as they have King Dunlap, who is untested. The team needs to improve its running and pass blocking and Starks could help with both.
The Chargers were mentioned as a possible destination for Branden Albert in a deal with the Chiefs, but after things broke down with the two sides and the Miami Dolphins, it appears as though he will remain in Kansas City. The 31-year-old Starks has some injury issues, but the Chargers are running out of options.
The team could sign Eric Winston to play on the left side, although the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys are going after him as well. The Cowboys have given Doug Free and ultimatum about taking a pay cut and if he doesn't agree and gets released, there is a good chance the team goes after Winston if he is still unsigned. Starks would be a huge upgrade for the Chargers despite his age and with new head coach Mike McCoy in the fold, the team is looking to get better on offense and solidify the offensive line.
