Curtis Brinkley

After losing Darren Sproles and Mike Tolbert in free agency the past two years, many were surprised the Chargers waited until the seventh round of last month’s NFL draft to select a running back. The team needs depth behind starter Ryan Mathews, and though rookie Edwin ‘Rock’ Baker is expected to contribute as a third-down back, the team still has a glaring need to fill on the depth chart.

According to a team insider, a veteran running back will be signed to fill that need at some point this offseason. There are still several quality backs on the market, and the team is waiting until players are willing to accept the veteran minimum contract before offering a deal. Players such as Jackie Battle and Cadillac Williams have been mentioned as possibilities, though the insider believes the team has other backs on the radar, too.

Ryan Mathews is going to be the workhorse back this season, but he has had trouble staying healthy, so whichever veteran the Chargers eventually sign could press Curtis Brinkley for touches if Mathews goes down.