Will the Chargers trade Safety Eric Weddle?

timesofsandiego.com

Pro Bowl safety Eric Weddle‘s time in San Diego may be coming to an end before the 2015 NFL season begins. According to NFL.com, Weddle and the Chargers will not discuss a possible contract extension.

Weddle, who was named the Chargers’ defensive player of the year in three of the past four years, is likely going to test free agency once his deal ends. With that being said, could the Chargers afford to trade away their lockdown safety?

With Corey Liuget and Phillip Rivers both looking for contract extensions as well, the money Weddle will be asking for will force the Chargers to not extend the contract of either their franchise quarterback or their young defensive end.

With a trade being a possibility, here are three potential suitors for the 30-year-old free safety.

1. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are a young team that could be on the rise thanks to some of their offseason moves. They signed both cornerback Davon House and tight end Julius Thomas, two players who could prove to be great value signings. With a young nucleus of talent that revolves around quarterback Blake Bortles, they could stand to improve on defense, especially in their secondary. Davon House will definitely help, but Weddle would help solidify Jacksonville’s secondary and bring leadership to a defense that has no true veteran leader.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After trading Dashon Goldson, the Buccaneers don’t quite know who will start at free safety for them. Enter Weddle, who will bring veteran leadership and will be a shutdown player in the secondary. If the Buccaneers acquire Weddle, then they could be the x-factor contenders in the weak NFC South.

3. Atlanta Falcons

Staying in the NFC South, Weddle would be a great fit in Atlanta. Without a solid free safety yet, the Falcons would love to have a Pro Bowl player like Weddle. Alongside rising star Desmond Trufant, the Falcons’ secondary will have one of the best one-two punches in all of the NFL. Weddle would bolster a Falcons defense that struggled last season and could help the Falcons get back to the top of the NFC South.