NFL Free Agency: Chargers Are Early Winners, Retain Four Key Players

No, free agency has yet to commence in the NFL but that doesn't mean some teams aren't already taking advantage. Facing a salary cap-less year for the first time in nearly two decades, the NFL is making it easier on teams to retain key talent and the Chargers are taking advantage.

This week the Chargers will, according to reports, offer a first and third round tender to the following:

• LT Marcus McNeil
• WR Malcolm Floyd
• WR Vincent Jackson
• LB Shawne Merriman

Three of those players could (and probably would) make an argument that they should be the highest paid player in the NFL at their position.

In a normal year, it might take over $50 million in guaranteed money to keep all those players. But with the rules governing the uncapped year, it will cost about $13 million to hang onto all of these players in 2010 (even if they aren't happy about it).

At worst, the Chargers will receive a first and third round pick for each of these players that they lose. At best, they're keeping young talent on the cheap.