Chargers head into uncertain offseason

There was a time, not that long ago, that the Chargers would enter an offseason with just a few areas to upgrade.

Those days, like the Chargers appearing in the playoffs, are long gone.

General manager A. J. Smith has a full plate of issues to address this offseason. And his plate got stuffed a little more with this week's news that Kris Dielman, a Pro Bowl left guard, is retiring.

Add Dielman's spot to the growing list of positions needing tweaking as the Chargers try to snap their two-year streak of not making the postseason.

Dielman's decision wasn't that big of a surprise, although there was hope earlier last month that he would play again. But a concussion suffered on Oct. 23 in a loss to the Jets - and Dielman suffering a grand mal seizure on the flight home - was too much for Dielman to ignore.

It's believed he was cleared to play again. But those same medical people granting him that, couldn't predict what would happen if he sustained another concussion.

Dielman, with a solid nine-year career on his resume and two young children and a wife at home, elected to stop playing.

"I love this game. I've given it everything I have," Dielman said. "It's time for me to focus on my future and my quality of life."

Dielman was among the most popular Chargers during his stay, both on and off the field. That was evident by the number of Chargers attending his retirement ceremony and his connection with the fans that helped vote him onto the Chargers' all-time team when the franchise celebrated its 50th anniversary.

It was not only Dielman's skillset that connected him with others. It was his no-nonsense, lunch-pail mentality that struck a chord with anyone ever meeting him.

That's what makes him leaving the game on something other than on his own terms so disappointing.

But that's football, and many think Dielman reached the correct verdict - although it does magnify the work this depleted roster must overcome if the Chargers want to win their second playoff game in five years next season.

Dielman's position can be replaced but not his tenacity. But the first guy up to try just that will be Tyronne Green, someone who has long been praised by coach Norv Turner, although most of his work has been in a backup role.

But when Dielman went down and eventually landed on injured reserve, it was Green taking his position. Green would start the first three games after Dielman was hurt, then the final five after Green returned from a hand injury.

But Green could be just one of three fresh faces on an offensive line that is entrusted to keep the Chargers' $92 million investment, quarterback Philip Rivers, in one piece.

It's expected that left tackle Marcus McNeill, another Pro Bowler, will be released soon. He's in line for a $10 million roster bonus and the Chargers have significant concerns regarding the health of his neck. McNeill missed the final eight games with a neck injury; in 2009 he underwent an operation for his ailing neck, and he entered the league with spinal cord issues.

On Dielman's other side at center, Nick Hardwick will likely be testing the free-agency market.

Hardwick, the third Pro Bowler on the line, has made it no secret he wants to stay in San Diego. And Smith loves Hardwick's work ethic and old-school approach.

But Smith, as he has done before, will set his value on Hardwick. If that figure doesn't match, or come close, to what Hardwick is expected to fetch on the open market, it could be adios to Hardwick as well.

This week, though, was to give Dielman a fond goodbye and to salute him for his stellar work in the trenches. Not only will the Chargers miss Dielman's spot-on blocks that he held through the whistle, but his demeanor that was a combination of confidence and nastiness.