For a Los Angeles Chargers team looking to get over the hump in the Wild Card round, they’ll need to think outside of the box when it comes to upgrades this offseason. They have the resources to do so, with $83.5 million in cap space currently, along with five picks in the NFL Draft.

According to insiders, the upcoming free agency and draft classes aren’t very appealing. Teams have been better at locking up their own talent before they hit the open market. The draft is a different story, as Fernando Mendoza is pretty much a lock to go No.1 overall. After him, nobody truly knows what will happen.

Adam Schefter mentioned that with these notions, the trade market could explode more than it has in recent years. For the Chargers, this could be great news.

RELATED: Post-Super Bowl Chargers 3-Round Mock Draft Features Game-Changing Pick at 22

Chargers could strike with booming 2026 trade market

The focus this offseason will be improving the offense, as the Chargers had a lackluster output compared to other teams. They failed to have a 1,000-yard rusher or receiver in 2025. In fact, no receiver reached the 800-yard mark. With this being said, the Chargers could look to make a trade for a major receiving threat.