The Los Angeles Chargers struggled with one of the weakest secondaries in the NFL during the 2023 season, conceding the third-highest average of 249.8 passing yards per game. With the exception of Derwin James Jr. and Alohi Gilman at safety, and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr., the secondary lacked solid starters.

In efforts to address this issue for the upcoming 2024 season, Chargers’ General Manager Joe Hortiz made moves during the offseason. This included retaining Gilman while allowing problematic cornerback Michael Davis to depart for another team.

Now, the Chargers have further bolstered their secondary by securing a standout cornerback from the Tennessee Titans, Kristian Fulton. According to Ian Rapoport, the Chargers have reached a one-year agreement with Fulton. Despite not boasting remarkable interception statistics, Fulton has proven himself as a dependable starter over the last three seasons with the Titans since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 draft. During his time with the Titans, he accumulated 4 interceptions, 1 sack, and defended 25 passes, achieving a career-high of 15 passes defended in the 2021 season.

In 2023, Fulton allowed a career-high passer rating of 114.1 but surrendered only one touchdown. However, his completion percentage against opposing quarterbacks also reached a career-high of 75.5%.

Despite some concerning statistics, Fulton is considered a reliable starter, possessing the physicality and experience desired by Chargers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh has also enlisted the help of Jesse Minter, formerly of Michigan, as the team’s defensive coordinator, aiming to elevate the defense with diverse strategies against opposing quarterbacks.

With the right guidance, Fulton has the potential to become an elite cornerback, given his promising performances over his four years in the NFL. While the Chargers are likely to address their secondary in the upcoming draft, the acquisition of Fulton stands as a significant move in their free agency signings.

Thus far, the Chargers have bolstered various positions through free agency signings, including cornerback with Fulton, linebacker with Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye, tight end with Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly, running back with Gus Edwards, defensive tackle with Poona Ford, quarterback with Easton Stick, offensive lineman with Bradley Bozeman, and safety with Alohi Gilman.

However, the Chargers have also lost key players such as cornerback Michael Davis, wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, running back Austin Ekeler, tight end Gerald Everett, and linebackers Kenneth Murray Jr. and Amen Ogbongbemiga.

While numerous positions on the Chargers’ roster require upgrades, the team is diligently addressing its needs by adding potential starters across various positions.