Chargers To Re-sign Brandon Flowers: Grade and Analysis

Sep 8, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive back Brandon Flowers (26) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Their one-year “prove it” deal last season was meant to see if Brandon Flowers could function properly in a 3-4 defense.  The San Diego Chargers got their answer when he finished the season with 52 tackles, 3 interceptions, 10 passes defended and a solid +8.2 rating on Pro Football Focus.  Letting him hit NFL free agency was too much of a risk for a team that needs everybody on deck for a major playoff push in 2015.

Pass defense became the strength of the Chargers defense last season and the hope is now that the trend will continue as the team has handed the 29-year old a new contract. This means their key secondary pieces will remain in place along with Eric Weddle and Jason Verrett.  It also takes another potentially lucrative piece off the corner market in NFL free agency, perhaps further driving up the price for other notable names.

That includes Byron Maxwell and Darrelle Revis among others.  Given the questions Flowers has had to endure about his size (5’9″) for years dating back to his days in Kansas City, this is a deserving reward for his hard work and underappreciated skill.  This should allow the San Diego Chargers to place their focus elsewhere in NFL free agency and the Draft, specifically improving their pass protection for Phillip Rivers and their run defense up front.

Grade:  B+

The lack of size hasn’t impacted Flowers too much but it will always remain a factor.  That is a primary reason the grade is lower.  Otherwise the Chargers do themselves a huge favor locking up a key starter for the next four years.

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