Chargers linked to potential draft trade that could have changed everything.
The Los Angeles Chargers have the opportunity to go all in on a Super Bowl run in 2026.
Although they had another disappointing first-round playoff exit last season, the fact that they even got that far was a great accomplishment. Los Angeles was decimated by injuries in 2025, especially along the offensive line. Quarterback Justin Herbert also played with a broken left hand during much of the second half of the season.
While the Chargers get healthy during the offseason, they can sure up some weak spots in their roster. Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus recently identified each NFL team’s biggest roster decisions of the offseason, and what he came up with for the Chargers is something every team would love to have.
Los Angeles Chargers Among Top of NFL in Salary Cap Space
Los Angeles can be among the big spenders during free agency if it wants to. Locker pointed out some potential free agent targets, as well as some of the Chargers’ own that they could re-sign.
“Even though the Chargers fell flat in the wild-card round for a second straight year, the team can feel pretty positive going into 2026. Perhaps no news is better than Los Angeles wielding a boatload of cap space. Indeed, the Chargers’ $83.5 million is the third-most in pro football, trailing only the Titans and Raiders.
The first order of business figures to be shoring up the league’s worst interior offensive line by overall PFF grade, with Linderbaum, Isaac Seumalo and Alijah Vera-Tucker among targets. Los Angeles could also use more at tight end, receiver and potentially edge rusher — where Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack are free agents.”
Everybody likes to point out how bad the Chargers’ offensive line was last season, but let’s not forget that the return of offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt will make a tremendous difference. That allows Los Angeles to be able to heavily invest in the interior, which could suddenly turn one of the worst offensive lines in the league into one of the best.
Chargers Can Be Versatile With Free Agent Spending
GettyOdafe Oweh
The offensive line isn’t the only position group where the Chargers can make splash signings. They could re-sign outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, who recorded 7.5 sacks in just 12 games after being traded to Los Angeles in October. If not Oweh, they could target big name pass rushers such as Trey Hendrickson or Jaelan Phillips.
The Chargers could also use a quality tight end. There are a few intriguing names at the position hitting free agency, such as Kyle Pitts, Isaiah Likely, and David Njoku. Getting Herbert a playmaking tight end would really open up the passing attack and give him a much-need safety blanket option.
Adding a veteran defensive back would be beneficial as well. The Chargers could swing big for a name such as Jaylen Watson, Jamel Dean, Bryan Cook, or Kamren Curl. If they don’t want to pay a premium for a defensive back, they could go for an affordable contributor like Reed Blankenship or Chidobe Awuzie.
Nick Roesch Nick Roesch covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, with a focus on the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers. He previously covered the Chiefs for USA TODAY Sports’ Chiefs Wire, and all 32 NFL teams for A to Z Sports. Roesch’s career in sports media spans 10 years. More about Nick Roesch
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