Even though the Chargers were among the top in salary cap available this most recent offseason, they weren’t as aggressive as many thought they would be with their acquisitions.

Los Angeles re-signed a handful of players, most notably edge rusher Khalil Mack, and added some new faces who will contribute right away, including running back Najee Harris and guard Mekhi Becton.

While they took a more conservative approach, that could change next offseason, as the Bolts are projected to have the most cap space in the NFL, with $110 million available.

That is why, when picking five teams that are set for a big offseason in 2026, CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan included the Chargers.

No team in the NFL has more money to burn next offseason than the Los Angeles Chargers. According to Over the Cap’s projections, they are the only team currently slated to have over $100 million in available space next spring, setting themselves up to make some rather sizable moves in free agency. Before they do that, however, they will need to use some of that capital to address some of their own players, particularly the left side of their offensive line. Left tackle Rashawn Slater is playing 2025 on his fifth-year option and is set to be a free agent, while starting left guard Zion Johnson is in the final year of his deal as well. Even if they were to retain both of those players, Jim Harbaugh will have enough to continue to build around Justin Herbert and mold his roster further into his image. 

Sullivan highlights Rashawn Slater’s contract extension, as the star offensive tackle is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie deal. His projected average annual salary of his next contract could reach $30 million, placing him among the highest-paid left tackles in the NFL. Nonetheless, it’s important that they lock up Justin Herbert’s blindside blocker.

Even with signing Slater to a long-term deal, the Chargers will have a substantial amount of money to spend on external free agents and further build around Justin Herbert, continuing to put the necessary pieces in place to take the defense to another level.

As for the 2026 NFL draft, Los Angeles currently has six selections and is not projected to receive any compensatory picks, unless any trades are made to acquire additional ones. However, they have both picks on Days 1 and 2.

Things are only looking up for Jim Harbaugh and company.