The Los Angeles Chargers likely would have made the playoffs this season if not for a complete disaster at the kicking position, and they are turning to a former second-round pick to help them solve those issues heading into 2018.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chargers are signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Roberto Aguayo.
Former Buccaneers’ kicker Roberto Aguayo is signing with the Los Angeles Chargers, per source. A fresh start in LA for the former second-round pick on a team that needs a kicker.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2018
The Chargers made a surprising decision last offseason when they cut veteran kicker Josh Lambo in favor of undrafted rookie Younghoe Koo. Koo was released after just four games, and Lambo has been rock-solid for the Jacksonville Jaguars all season long. L.A. eventually brought back Nick Novak, who converted just 9-of-13 field goal attempts before being placed on injured reserve. The Chargers ended up going through two more kickers after Novak, so they basically played musical chairs at the position all year long. They were ruthlessly mocked by fans over the debacle late in the season.
Aguayo, of course, had his own well-documented struggles with the Bucs after he was drafted earlier than any other kicker in NFL history. However, the former Florida State star’s talent is undeniable. If Aguayo can get his head on straight this offseason, there’s no reason he won’t be on an NFL roster come Week 1.
