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Philip Rivers

Chargers aggressive in upgrading veteran's protection

The Chargers signed Russell Okung to a contract averaging over $13 million per year, and they might end up regretting it. Okung has had trouble staying healthy for most of his career, and Denver didn't think he was worth keeping at his sizable option year. But the risky move is evidence of the Chargers' desire to protect its franchise quarterback.

Not only did they make Okung the game's highest-paid left tackle (in terms of annual average), but they used their second- and third-round picks on offensive linemen. It's a sign they're aware of how Philip Rivers has been knocked around in recent years.

Over the last five seasons, in fact, only two quarterbacks have been sacked more than Rivers. One is Ryan Tannehill, and he's at least trending in the right direction: sacked 29 times last season after being over 45 in three straight years. The other is Russell Wilson. And then Rivers.

If Okung can stay healthy and those draft picks work out, they'll have a better chance of keeping Rivers healthy over the next couple of seasons, and maybe giving Los Angeles a playoff team.

MOST-SACKED QUARTERBACKS, 2012-2016
Player'12'13'14'15'16Total
Ryan Tannehill, Mia.3558464529213
Russell Wilson, Sea.3344424541205
Philip Rivers, S.D.4930364036191
Cam Newton, Car.3643383336186
Alex Smith, K.C.2439454528181
Aaron Rodgers, G.B.5121284635181
Matthew Stafford, Det.2923454437178
Colin Kaepernick, S.F.1639522836171
Matt Ryan, Atl.2844313037170
Andy Dalton, Cin.4629212041157
Andrew Luck, Ind.4132271541156
Joe Flacco, Balt.3548191633151
Drew Brees, N.O.2637293127150
Ben Roethlisberger, Pitt.3042332017142
Tom Brady, N.E.2740213815141
Jay Cutler, Chi.3819382917141
Carson Palmer, Ariz.264192540141
Blake Bortles, Jac.00555134140
Eli Manning, NYG1939282721134
Robert Griffin III, Clev.303833022123
Sam Bradford, Minn.351502837115
Ryan Fitzpatrick, NYJ3021211919110
Tony Romo, Dall.36352960106

--Andy Richardson

Fantasy Index