Eric D. Williams 9y

Chargers free-agent report: Seyi Ajirotutu

With free agency set to begin on March 10, we begin a player-by-player look at the San Diego Chargers' potential unrestricted free agents. And we’ll start with one of the team’s special-teams standouts from 2014.

WR Seyi Ajirotutu

Ajirotutu played in 16 games, starting one for the Chargers when Keenan Allen was unavailable due to a collarbone injury. Ajirotutu finished with four receptions for 45 yards in 2014. Even though special-teams captain Darrell Stuckey earned a Pro Bowl invitation, Ajirotutu led the team in special-teams tackles with 19 and won San Diego’s special teams player of the year award. Ajirotutu has recorded 24 catches for 420 yards and three touchdowns in five NFL seasons.

Chargers career: Ajirotutu signed with the Chargers as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Fresno State in 2010. He spent the 2011 season with the Carolina Panthers, but rejoined San Diego in 2012. Ajirotutu turns 28 in June.

Argument for keeping Ajirotutu: He’s a core special-teams player, knows the offense and quarterback Philip Rivers has a good comfort level with Ajirotutu. Ajirotutu offers versatility and experience, along with production in adverse situations.

Argument for letting Ajirotutu go: The Chargers need more big-play ability and speed on the perimeter, and they could find that in the draft. Not bringing Ajirotutu back would clear a path for young receivers like Javontee Herndon and Torrence Allen to compete for spots on the back end of the roster, along with developmental prospects like Dontrelle Inman and Austin Pettis. However, those players would have to prove that they could contribute on special teams.

What should happen with Ajirotutu: He signed a one-year, $730,000 deal to re-join the Chargers in free agency last year. If San Diego can bring him back on similar terms, why not have Ajirotutu on the 90-man roster to start training camp and let him compete for a job? Teams that compete for Super Bowls need role players like Ajirotutu to contribute to a winning effort on game days.

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