The offseason is underway with emphasis on next season, that will either lead the Chargers to the playoffs, or send GM AJ Smith and Coach Norv Turner to the unemployment line.

SanDiego.com visits the latest questions and answers involving the San Diego Chargers.

Q: WHAT DECISIONS DO THEY HAVE TO MAKE WITH THEIR VETERAN ROSTER?

A: Plenty. They have at least 19 free agents on the roster to make decisions on. The biggest involves big play wide receiver Vincent Jackson. How much they pay him, how long is the contract, how hefty the signing bonus? The second biggest question has to do with the health of left tackle Marcus McNeill (neck issues) and left guard Kris Dielman (concussions). Beyond that the team has an assortment of minor issues. Do you keep kicker Nate Kaeding (knee surgery) or keep the lower priced veteran Nick Novak? And how do you add talent to a substandard defense?

Q: HOW MUCH IS VINCENT JACKSON WORTH?

A: When you consider his offensive numbers in San Diego, nearly 19 yards per catch, and 47 touchdowns covering the last four years. It will cost you alot to re-sign him, but big time players make big time money. The rumors around the league would place VJ's new contract at 3 years, $30 million, which would include a $10 million signing bonus. That is around $10 million per season, which would be less than elite Arizona receiver Larry Fitzgerald gets, but more than Miles Austin or Anquan Boldin.

Q: WHAT WOULD SOMEONE ELSE PAY FOR VJ?

A: If you let a player get to the open market, when free agency starts in March, you are inviting trouble. Eric Weddle did last year, and a $5 million per year safety wound up getting $8 million to stay here. The biggest rumor has the 49ers, Denver and Washington shelling out big money for Jackson. That should scare the Chargers considering how much money Daniel Snyder has thrown around with the Redskins.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS TO THE OFFENSIVE LINE?

A: If McNeill plays, and he believes he can, then San Diego is safe even if Dielman retires, which is likely. The arrival of Jared Gaither and the continued development of Tyronne Green as a multi-position lineman alleviated problems. But if both McNeill and Dielman exit, San Diego must find immediate help on the open market. They spent this week looking at Senior Bowl offensive linemen, and were enthralled with Ohio State's Michael Adams (6'7-320), who looks like a young McNeill. He has the potential to be a second round selection.

Q: WHAT IS THE GAME PLAN FOR THE DEFENSE?

A: Get faster, get tougher, and get more players. First things first. Will San Diego stay with the 3-4 defense, or shift to the 4-3? They will likely stay with the three man front and add players. They have a decision to make with the often injured Luis Castillo and his near $5 million contract. They must decide if they can continue to survive with defensive ends Corey Liuget and Vaughn Martin, who combined for just two quarterback sacks last year. They need another explosive linebacker to work with Shaun Philips and Antwan Barnes. They are definitely in need of a safety, and must decide if the kid cornerbacks can step up and support an aging Quentin Jammer.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO FIX THE DEFENSE?

A: Move into the 21st century, and go into the NFL free agent market. You don't sign eleven, as the Eagles did last year, but one or two key acquisitions, pricey as they may be, could put you over the top. Expect the Liuget-Martin tandem to be better with a year under their belt. But a key draft pick on defense, and a couple of key free agent signings would make all the difference.

Q: WHO IS AVAILABLE?

A: The biggest name is Houston Texans pass rushing defensive end-linebacker Mario Williams, but it's doubtful the Chargers would be willing to spend $12 million on one free agent. Colts defensive end Robert Mathis might be available, but that comes after you decide which type of defense you run, for he excelled in the 4-3 package in Indianapolis. Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer is available, active, physical and tough. Cornerback Cortland Finnegan is leaving Tennessee, and his tough-cop-type-of-play at cornerback would be welcome.

Q: WHAT ABOUT THE DRAFT?

A: This is a really deep draft, and the Chargers have spent this past week at the Senior Bowl looking at pass rushers and active linebackers. Alabama's Courtney Upshaw might have been available with their 18th pick, but he stood out so strong in workouts that he's rocketed towards a top ten selection. Adrian Branch of Clemson is really explosive as a rush linebacker. San Diego spent time evaluating USC's Nick Perry, who might be a better linebacker than defensive end. The Chargers also looked at Alabama safety Mark Barron, a real slugger; something they have not had since the days Rodney Harrison was taking penalty flags.

Q: WHAT ABOUT TRADES?

A: History says few player-for-player trades have been made in the NFL. Shaun Philips did not have a great season, replete with nagging injuries and controversial tweets. Maybe you shop him to see if you can find a linebacker-for-linebacker swap. Maybe look to deal Jammer to someone looking for a veteran corner, but if you trade a starter, how do replace the starter? I don't think anyone has ever traded for a kicker, but Kaeding has a near 90% conversion rate in season, and would have value somehwere else. The Chargers should snare a 3rd round draft pick for a reliable kicker if they're giving up on him.

Q: HOW FAR AWAY ARE THE CHARGERS FROM BEING ELITE?

A: A long way if they bring last year's roster back for next year. But that won't happen. If they make a push and sign the two free-agents, Finnegan and Spencer, and get the right pick with their first round choice at linebacker, they could arrive at camp, faster, younger and much tougher.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

A: They should move on an extension for Vincent Jackson. if he gets on the open market, he could be gone. They low balled him one year, froze him with the franchise tag the second year. A multi-year deal must be made, but one wonders if he can forget the history of how he was treated by management two years in a row. Next up is getting a decision in the next 30 days on McNeill and Dielman. They then go to the NFL combine and start filling holes. Free agency starts in mid-March, and they better be quick and they better be right. The Chargers are not like the Super Bowl-bound New York Giants, or New England Patriots, and they're definitely are not the (2-14) Indianapolis Colts. They are no longer what they used to be: elite.

Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton talks sports weekday mornings 10am on XX-1090-Sportsradio