Positions of Need Based on Free Agency
The Chargers will certainly have some roster turnover this offseason, especially with the 27 free agents listed above.
With that in mind, here are a handful of position groups the Bolts might need to focus on in the coming months based on their current free agent list.
(Note: These positions are not ranked but instead listed in alphabetical order).
The Chargers have seemingly found a key piece in Jamaree Caldwell, a 2025 third-round pick who flashed throughout his rookie season. And Teair Tart is back in the mix after his recent contract extension. But some other top names in this group — Da’Shawn Hand and Otito Ogbionnia — are all slated to be unrestricted free agents. Perhaps the Chargers can bring back some of those players, but adding more depth to this group could be a focus this offseason.
The Bolts were led by the three-headed attack of Tuli Tuipulotu, Mack and Oweh in the second half of the 2026 season. But Mack and Oweh are both scheduled to be unrestricted free agents this offseason, meaning the Chargers may have to add more reinforcements here. The 34-year-old Mack said after the season that he was going to take some time to ponder his football future while Odafe noted he hoped to be back after being acquired in an October trade from the Ravens. The Chargers still have Bud Dupree and Kyle Kennard under contract for next season.
Daiyan Henley has turned into a leader of this group and was a captain in 2025. And while Troy Dye and Junior Colson are under contract in 2026, Denzel Perryman and Del’Shawn Phillips will both be unrestricted free agents. Perryman brought valuable leadership and a physical play style to the defense last season while Phillips earned Second-Team All-Pro honors for his stellar play on special teams.
The Chargers offensive line should be boosted by the returns of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt in 2026. But there could be some turnover here given that seven of the Chargers scheduled free agents come from this position group. The headliner is Zion Johnson, who is slated to hit free agency for the first time in his career. Other 2026 free agents include Jamaree Salyer and Trey Pipkins III, the Chargers starting tackles in the final portion of the season. Bobby Hart, Austin Deculus and Trevor Penning are also free agents.
Hampton’s rookie season was marred by some injuries, but the former North Carolina standout looks like he’ll be a centerpiece of the offense for years to come. The rest of the running back room, however, is in question. Najee Harris missed most of the 2025 season with an Achilles injury and will be an unrestricted free agent. So, too, will Hassan Haskins. Kimani Vidal and Jaret Patterson are exclusive rights free agents. Keep an eye on this group this offseason.