Here are the moves the San Diego Chargers should consider when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday:
Priority No. 1 -- Sign Travis Benjamin. The Chargers finished with a total of 84 punt return yards in 2015 and lost receiver Malcom Floyd to retirement, so the signing of Cleveland Browns pending free-agent receiver Benjamin could fill both of those needs. The crop of receivers is weak in this year's draft, and the cat-quick Benjamin could be a good fit in San Diego offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt's passing game, which relies on short throws and receivers who can make plays after the catch.
Priority No. 2 -- Hold on to Antonio Gates. Even though he turns 36 in June, Gates remains productive and can still regularly get open, particularly on third down and in the red zone. Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said re-signing Gates and making sure he retires a Charger is a priority, so getting a deal done that brings the future Hall of Famer back to Chargers Park could happen before the free-agency period begins on Wednesday.
Priority No. 3 -- Sign a veteran center. Telesco said that Chris Watt remains an option at center but also could be a really good guard. San Diego could look to select the long-term solution at center in this year's draft, but Philip Rivers likes working with experienced veterans at the anchor spot of the offensive line. Browns free-agent center Alex Mack likely will command too much money. Stefen Wisniewski and Manny Ramirez are more inexpensive and realistic options.
Priority No. 4 -- Bring back Patrick Robinson. After struggling during his final season with the New Orleans Saints, Robinson signed a one-year, prove-it deal in free agency last year and had a bounce-back season for the Chargers. Robinson was the team's only defensive back to play a 16-game season. Robinson offers versatility, with the ability to play slot defender and still hold up as a cover guy on the perimeter. Robinson turns 29 in September. Bringing back Robinson helps solidify a young and somewhat inexperienced secondary.
Priority No. 5 -- Add offensive line help. Whether they re-sign Joe Barksdale and Chris Hairston or bring in other bodies through free agency, the Chargers have to add depth up front on offense after all of the injuries they went through last season. But at some point, front-line players such as King Dunlap and Orlando Franklin have to stay on the field.