Nick

Hardwick

Hardwick spent his entire NFL career with the Chargers when they were in San Diego, playing center for them and making the Pro Bowl in 2006. He last played in the league in 2014, and was most recently an assistant high school coach. The Chargers will add Hardwick as an assistant offensive line coach, continuing to beef up new head coach Jim Harbaugh’s staff.

Other inactive are quarterback Doug Flutie (third QB), quarterback Cleo Lemon, fullback Andrew Pinnock, linebacker Matt Wilhelm, defensive tackle DeQuincy Scott, tight end Ryan Krause, defensive end Adrian Dingle.

The rookie didn’t lose his job to injury. With Jason Ball on the bench, San Diego actually has solid depth on the O-line. Amazing.

Numbers aren’t available yet, but San Diego apparently tore up the 2004 draftee’s rookie deal to keep him through 2011. He’s started 27 games in two seasons at center, earning heaps of praise in his rookie season especially.

The team tentatively expects LG Kris Dielman (concussions) back and hopes to re-sign free agent C Nick Hardwick. The Bolts figure to release LT Marcus McNeill, entering the bidding war for Jared Gaither instead. While the front office is “high on” FBs Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester, the Times confirms other reports that it’s a “virtual certainty” Vincent Jackson will escape the franchise tag.

It’s the first step in GM A.J. Smith’s goal to fix an offensive line that was in tatters last season. Turning 31 just before the season opener, Hardwick is no longer an asset in the run game but receives high marks for keeping pressure off of Philip Rivers. The Bolts will have to turn their attention to re-signing Jared Gaither on the blindside.

If the Bolts get both signed before the free agency period, they could enter the heart of the offseason with a front five of LT Gaither, LG Tyronne Green, C Hardwick, RG Luis Vasquez, and RT Jeromy Clary while using the draft to find competition. Gaither is currently the priority, but Hardwick isn’t far behind.

Hardwick is only 30, so he should have gas left in the tank from an age perspective, at least. According to Pro Football Focus, however, Hardwick was too often overpowered in the running game last year. The Chargers will likely look to re-sign Hardwick, but only at the right price. The San Diego Union-Tribune also expects LG Kris Dielman to put off retirement for one more year.

Hardwick is one of the better centers in the league, and backup Colin Baxter is just a replacement-level talent. With the Chargers offensive line already maligned, losing Hardwick could be a fatal blow.

An impending free agent, Hardwick is only 30 years old. “We’ll weigh the options, see where we’re at, see how I feel when we’re done,” he said. "... You see the older guys, the alumni who have long-term issues, and it makes you think. It’s not scary; it’s just part of weighing the decision.” The Chargers may also lose LG Kris Dielman to retirement, and LT Marcus McNeill’s career may be threatened by ongoing neck and back problems.