Don't expect the San Diego Chargers to throw around a bunch of cash once free agency starts. That's not how new general manager Tom Telesco rolls.
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"There's a time and place, but that time and place for it is not this year," Telesco told the Associated Press on Friday.
Telesco, who developed under the guidance of Bill Polian, believes on building the roster through the draft. The Chargers aren't one or two players away from being a contender anyway after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, so a patient approach might be tolerated.
Safety Atari Bigby was released Friday after linebacker Takeo Spikes was let go Thursday. The Chargers have 19 players slated to become unrestricted free agents on March 12.
Telesco went through a rebuild with the Indinapolis Colts last season, though the Chargers don't have the luxury of the No. 1 pick. The Colts' roster was turned over with several rookies (Andrew Luck, T.Y. Hilton, Vick Ballard, Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener, Jerrell Freeman) contributing to the 11-5 record and a playoff appearance. A select few veteran free agents, including Samson Satele and Cory Redding, were brought in as part of the transition.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.