Former Dolphins center Mike Pouncey will visit the Chargers on Saturday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). This marks Pouncey’s first free agent visit since being released by Miami.
Pouncey, one of the better known centers in the NFL, has been plagued by hip issues in recent years. He did not miss any games last season, but it was obvious that he was not at full strength and he struggled as a result.
Miami asked Pouncey to accept a 50% pay reduction, which he declined. That would have left Pouncey with about $4.5MM in 2018 and he felt that he could do better. Given that at least 13 NFL centers are currently making more than that on a yearly basis, Pouncey is probably right in that regard.
The Chargers recently lost versatile interior lineman Kenny Wiggins to free agency and they could use an upgrade in the middle over 2016 UDFA Spencer Pulley. Pulley graded out as one of the very worst qualified centers in the NFL last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Still, the Chargers will have to take a very close look at Pouncey’s medicals due to his hip issues.
On Thursday, the Buccaneers also reached out to Pouncey to express their interest.
Chargers need to sign him
Pouncey might reunited withRichie InCognito in Buffalo. Just have to be patient