{"id":267377,"date":"2025-08-06T21:47:20","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T21:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/267377\/"},"modified":"2025-08-06T21:47:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T21:47:20","slug":"offseason-in-review-los-angeles-chargers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/267377\/","title":{"rendered":"Offseason In Review: Los Angeles Chargers"},"content":{"rendered":"

As he had done at his other career stops, Jim Harbaugh orchestrated a turnaround season in his Chargers debut. The Bolts returned to the playoffs and transformed their defense. While a more run-focused attack minimized Justin Herbert<\/a>, the star quarterback operated efficiently despite limited weaponry. The team still has questions to answer in the pass-catching department, but a more significant running back retooling effort commenced this offseason.<\/p>\n

The Chargers made a host of affordable free agency moves, through retention and outside acquisitions, and budgeted for a record-setting extension. They will operate in a historically loaded division for coaching achievement, with Harbaugh suddenly the only AFC West leader without a Super Bowl title. Last season established the Chargers as a rejuvenated operation; how will they take the next step?<\/p>\n

Extensions and restructures:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Although Slater was extension-eligible in 2024, the Harbaugh-Joe Hortiz regime made the former Tom Telesco first-rounder wait. While the Bolts received an additional year of rookie-contract control on the 2021 first-rounder, his price naturally rose this offseason. Slater\u2019s resume does not match those of Tristan Wirfs<\/a> or Penei Sewell<\/a>, but he is now the NFL\u2019s highest-paid offensive lineman. Waiting a year brought that to fruition, and Slater\u2019s benchmarks compare favorably to the other top left tackle contracts.<\/p>\n

In addition to his record-setting $28.5MM AAV, Slater commanded the second-highest guarantee at signing (behind only Andrew Thomas<\/a>). Thomas needed to give the Giants five years of control to get his $67MM at-signing guarantee. Slater\u2019s $92MM in total guarantees beat Wirfs\u2019 previous highwater mark ($88.24MM).<\/p>\n

Slater, 26, received the top one- and two-year cash flows for any O-lineman. The Chargers also gave Slater a rolling guarantee structure, which will lock in his 2027 and \u201928 base salaries one year early. This provides considerable protection for a player who had made a calculated gamble before, having joined Sewell and Micah Parsons<\/a> in opting out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 cloud. Slater skipped this year\u2019s Bolts OTAs<\/a> but had a deal in place before training camp.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Chargers had seen their LT situation become unstable in between King Dunlap<\/a>\u2018s final season (2016) and Slater\u2019s debut, but the Northwestern product gave the team an upper-crust blindside protector for Herbert. Slater is a two-time Pro Bowler who bounced back from a three-game 2022 to play in 32 regular-season games from 2023-24. Pro Football Focus rated Slater second among all tackles last season and has never graded him outside the top 20 in a campaign. The Chargers\u2019 second-year regime is buying in, and they now have him signed through 2029.<\/p>\n

The Dupree commitment is obviously modest by comparison, but the move keeps the former first-rounder as a quality No. 3 edge rusher. Although the Chargers do look weaker here on paper due to the Joey Bosa<\/a> release, Dupree backing up Khalil Mack<\/a> and Tuli Tuipulotu<\/a> presents a workable situation.<\/p>\n

Dupree notched six sacks and 10 QB hits as a full-time backup last season. While extending a 32-year-old pass rusher after retaining a 34-year-old EDGE does introduce age concerns at this premium position, Dupree is a 99-start player who can easily step in as a sidekick in the event Mack or Tuipulotu miss time.<\/p>\n

Free agency additions:<\/p>\n

Keenan Allen<\/a>, WR. One year, $8.52MM<\/a>
\nDonte Jackson<\/a>, CB. Two years, $13MM ($7MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nMekhi Becton<\/a>, G. Two years, $20MM ($6.94MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nNajee Harris<\/a>, RB. One year, $5.25MM ($5.25MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nTyler Conklin<\/a>, TE. One year, $3MM ($2.83MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nTrey Lance<\/a>, QB. One year, $2MM ($1.5MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nBenjamin St-Juste<\/a>, CB. One year, $2.5MM ($1MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nDa\u2019Shawn Hand<\/a>, DL. One year, $2.35MM ($325K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nDel\u2019Shawn Phillips<\/a>, ILB. One year, $2MM ($700K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nNaquan Jones<\/a>, DL. One year, $1.84MM ($250K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nNyheim Hines<\/a>, RB. One year, $1.17MM<\/a>
\nAndre James<\/a>, C. One year, $1.17MM<\/a><\/p>\n

Harbaugh did not dismiss an Allen reunion<\/a> when asked in April, but it did not sound promising at that point. Midway through training camp, however, circumstances had changed and Harbaugh was eager to bring back the second-leading receiver in franchise history. Allen had said he would only delay retirement for a Bears re-signing or a Los Angeles return<\/a>. Even after the Cal alum-turned-decorated Charger had been offered a pay cut before being traded to Chicago last year, he and the Bolts made peace and will reunite at an interesting juncture. Mike Williams<\/a>\u2018 retirement may have pried the door open for a team that would have otherwise relied on unproven players alongside Ladd McConkey<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Allen\u2019s 10,530 yards trail only Antonio Gates<\/a> (11,841) in Chargers history; the 2025 Hall of Fame inductee also played 16 seasons to accumulate that total. Allen is now 33, but he remains a quality starter. The six-time Pro Bowler did not add a seventh 1,000-yard season to his resume last season, but he still drew 121 targets and turned them into 744 yards and seven TD grabs during a disjointed Bears season. Multiple teams considered Allen<\/a>, who left the Chargers as their No. 1 target but will return as a McConkey complementary piece.<\/p>\n

Allen\u2019s most recent Chargers season was one of his best; with Williams sidelined with an ACL tear, the slick route runner averaged a career-high 95.6 yards per game during a 1,243-yard season. While Allen and Williams fit together seamlessly, his place in a McConkey-centered attack will be interesting.<\/p>\n

Regardless of a slot overlap, Allen is a proven target who meant plenty during Justin Herbert<\/a>\u2018s ascent. The Tom Telesco draftee\/two-time extension recipient could be a missing piece, having provided a significant boost to Herbert- and Philip Rivers<\/a>-piloted attacks throughout his first Chargers stint. Allen\u2019s presence stands to help the Chargers, whose lack of weaponry helped lead to a 19th-place 2024 pass-game ranking.<\/p>\n

The Chargers did not overreach in free agency, but they look to have upgraded in certain areas nonetheless. Harris may not be a clear upgrade on J.K. Dobbins<\/a>, but the draft rounded out a two-pronged backfield plan. Dobbins resides as one of the NFL\u2019s top injury risks, while Harris never missed a game in four seasons. Of course, the fireworks accident the veteran RB encountered July 4 does offer some concern about his unblemished durability record.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Harris is believed to have suffered a \u201csurface-level\u201d eye injury in the accident<\/a>. Initially, Harris began working with doctors at Stanford; he transitioned to the Chargers\u2019 medical team once training camp began. The Bolts have conveyed confidence about Harris\u2019 expected regular-season availability, but after he began camp on the active\/NFI list (as Hortiz announced neither he nor Chargers doctors had observed the damages firsthand until that point), this situation is a bit murky.<\/p>\n

After a 4-for-4 stretch of 1,000-yard rushing seasons, Harris certainly hoped last year\u2019s running back resurgence would garner him more than $5.25MM. The 2021 first-rounder did note that by late last year he did not expect the Steelers to re-sign him<\/a>. Pittsburgh passed, having placed a near-identical value (via second-round RFA tender) on Jaylen Warren<\/a>. Kenneth Gainwell<\/a> and third-round pick Kaleb Johnson<\/a> round out Pittsburgh\u2019s new backfield.<\/p>\n

Harris, 27, is more of a grinder; that style fits Harbaugh\u2019s approach. Next Gen Stats\u2019 rush yards over expected metric ranked Harris (minus-3) in the bottom half last season (while Dobbins checked in at 115 RYOE). Harris\u2019 1,277 career touches undoubtedly affected his market, but not benefiting from the likes of Alvin Kamara<\/a>, Rhamondre Stevenson<\/a>, James Conner<\/a> and Chuba Hubbard<\/a> being signed beforehand did prove interesting. The Miami alum will try to reestablish value in L.A.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Interior O-line issues plagued the Chargers last year; they added some new options as a result. The Chargers have not abandoned starters from 2024, re-signing Bradley Bozeman<\/a> and retaining Trey Pipkins<\/a>, but they have at least one new guard starter and an interesting buy-low piece at center.<\/p>\n

Becton rebuilt value with the Eagles, but his market made it clear teams were still skeptical. Becton played one game between the 2021 and \u201922 seasons, after weight concerns surfaced during an otherwise promising rookie year. He lobbed salvos at the Jets to proclaim himself their best left tackle option in 2023; despite significant weight loss and a return to the starting lineup (at RT and LT), Becton landed just $2.75MM from the Eagles. He finally started to make strides in Philly, winning the team\u2019s right guard job and mixing in on the NFL\u2019s top offensive line. The Eagles\u2019 commitments at the other four O-line positions never made it realistic Becton would be retained, however.<\/p>\n

PFR\u2019s No. 22 free agent \u2014 albeit with a bit of a wild-card profile \u2014 ranked 20th (per PFF) among guard regulars last year. The NFL effectively labeled Becton a \u201cprove it\u201d case, but if he can show the Chargers his 2024 tackle-to-guard transition was no fluke, the Bolts have him at a favorable rate. If he cannot, the team has an easy out in 2026. The Bolts can cut Becton with just $2.5MM in dead money next year.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>James landed in PFR\u2019s top 50 entering the 2024 free agency period, and the Raiders re-signed him on a three-year, $24MM deal. The four-year Las Vegas starting center appears underpriced at a vet-minimum number. James, 28, made 59 starts in that time. PFF graded James as the NFL\u2019s ninth-best center in 2023 but dropped him to 33rd last year. James played for six play-callers since 2021, and Vegas\u2019 new regime dropped a player paid during Telesco and Jon Gruden\u2018s stays. If nothing else, the experienced blocker offers the Bolts high-end depth.<\/p>\n

Running back was not the only position bringing substantial turnover. The Chargers let Asante Samuel Jr.<\/a>\u00a0and Kristian Fulton<\/a> go while adding Jackson and St-Juste. Jackson landed on his feet, via a second notable free agency deal, despite being graded poorly in coverage during his Steelers one-off. Although PFF graded the 2024 Pittsburgh trade pickup as a bottom-10 CB last year, he intercepted five passes as a 15-start player. Coverage metrics still have a ways to go in terms of reliability, but PFF ranked Jackson outside the top 60 at corner from 2021-24.<\/p>\n

Jackson has worked as a boundary corner throughout his career, signing two Panthers contracts before being traded straight up for Diontae Johnson<\/a> \u2014 a deal that produced a surprising Steelers win on the judges\u2019 scorecards. The Chargers will hope the 5-foot-10 cover man (30 in November) has some quality football left; they certainly coaxed good work from unlikely sources in 2024.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>St-Juste has seen far more slot work compared to Jackson, logging 441 snaps inside in 2023. The Chargers are almost shorting PFF at this point, as the advanced metrics site graded the Canadian talent 112th (just behind Jackson) last season. St-Juste is more of a flier, given his price, but he made 45 starts in Washington. The Chargers have 2024 draftee Tarheeb Still<\/a> primed for a big role. Jackson\u2019s contract points to him starting, leaving St-Juste and Cam Hart<\/a>\u2018s roles less certain. L.A. carries some moving parts here, but the team should have more depth at corner entering this season.<\/p>\n

The Chargers met with Evan Engram<\/a> and offered him a similar contract to<\/a> his Broncos proposal (two years, $23MM, $16.5MM guaranteed), but the former Giants and Jaguars pass catcher chose Denver and may have a de facto WR2 role on tap. Conklin outproduced fellow Jets 2022 signee C.J. Uzomah<\/a>, playing fairly well with Aaron Rodgers<\/a> and Zach Wilson<\/a>. Conklin tallied a career-high 621 yards (10.2 per reception) in 2023 and posted 449 (8.8 YPC) last year. Two other 550-yard seasons are on Conklin\u2019s resume.<\/p>\n

Unspectacular, yes, but the Chargers saw Will Dissly<\/a> lead their TE group with 449 yards in 2024. Nearing 30 and without the blocking credentials Dissly has, Conklin looks like a placeholder \u2014 perhaps in the event fifth-rounder Oronde Gadsden II<\/a>, a dynamic threat at Syracuse, does not develop.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Harbaugh\u2019s initial Bolts QB2 plan did not work, leading to the team replacing the re-signed Easton Stick<\/a> with Taylor Heinicke<\/a> via trade last August. Heinicke is now battling Lance for that gig. Wildly overvalued as the No. 3 overall pick in 2021, Lance has still logged an alarmingly low usage rate since his 2017 high school finale. Since 2019, Lance has just 460 pass attempts.<\/p>\n

Redshirted at North Dakota State, Lance shredded Division I-FCS opposition \u2014 albeit as part of the level\u2019s best program \u2014 in 2019 but saw the pandemic keep him off the field in 2020. The 49ers used Lance as a four-game starter, but their 2022 plan to build around him involved regrouping with Jimmy Garoppolo<\/a> as insurance; Lance\u2019s fractured ankle also pried the door open for Brock Purdy<\/a>, leading the unseasoned talent to Dallas in 2023.<\/p>\n

Lance threw all of 41 passes in two Cowboys seasons, even with Dak Prescott<\/a> missing half of 2024. Harbaugh will attempt to derive some value from Lance, who is still just 25. A package role also could intrigue here, due to Lance\u2019s run-game skills. That would seemingly appeal to Greg Roman, who coached Colin Kaepernick<\/a> and Lamar Jackson<\/a>, but it would also involve taking Herbert off the field. The Hall of Fame Game outing did bring an encouraging start for the bust-turned-backup hopeful.<\/p>\n

Re-signings:<\/p>\n

Khalil Mack<\/a>, OLB. One year, $18MM ($18MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nElijah Molden<\/a>, DB. Three years, $18.75MM ($11.63MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nTeair Tart<\/a>, DT. One year, $4.5MM ($3.5MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nBradley Bozeman<\/a>, C. Two years, $6.5MM ($3.38MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nJK Scott<\/a>, P. Two years, $6MM ($3.15MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nTroy Dye<\/a>, ILB. Two years, $5.5MM ($3MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nTaylor Heinicke<\/a>, QB. One year, $2.5MM ($2MM guaranteed<\/a>)
\nJalen Reagor<\/a>, WR. One year, $1.34MM ($360K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nDenzel Perryman<\/a>, LB. One year, $2.66MM ($300K guaranteed<\/a>)
\nTony Jefferson<\/a>, S. One year, $1.38MM ($25K guaranteed<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Mack shook off his one injury-plagued season (2021) and became the Chargers\u2019 lead option following a 2022 trade. The Bolts could not rely on Joey Bosa<\/a>, counting on Mack continuing as an OLB regular into his mid-30s.<\/p>\n

Mack, 34, considered retirement this offseason<\/a> but had seen the Bolts aggressively pursue him despite having handed him a 2024 pay cut. The former Defensive Player of the Year had been tied to a six-year Bears-designed\/Chargers-updated contract. While that limited Mack from cashing in on a notable multiyear deal in his prime, the 11-year vet has still earned more than $179MM. He will approach $200MM via this Chargers re-signing.<\/p>\n

Aging players typically slide down our free agent rankings, or are omitted altogether, but Mack has continued to deliver and stay healthy. Slotted 25th in PFR\u2019s 2025 FA offering, Mack indeed did well on a one-year deal. Among non-quarterbacks and franchise-tagged players, Mack\u2019s $18MM guarantee represents the third-highest amount on a one-year deal (behind only Danielle Hunter<\/a> and Andrew Van Ginkel<\/a>\u2018s 2025 extensions) in NFL history. Mack can use this extra Chargers year to build on his Hall of Fame case. The All-Decade-teamer may be a decent bet, but his 107.5 sacks sit 32nd in the sack era (1982-present). Mack may need more work.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>With Bosa more of a week-to-week proposition, Mack anchored the Bolts\u2019 OLB corps by playing all but one game in his first three L.A. seasons. The Chargers reduced Mack\u2019s workload considerably last season, dropping him from an 81% snap share to 61%. The 616 defensive plays were 139 fewer than any previous season Mack finished. He still earned a non-alternate Pro Bowl invite, tallying six sacks and 15 QB hits. Those were way down from his 2023 totals (17, 22), but the Chargers still made Mack their top FA priority.<\/p>\n

Before re-signing Mack, the Chargers locked in one of their ex-Titan rebound candidates by re-upping Molden. A second-generation Chargers DB (father Alex was a Bolts corner from 2001-02), Elijah Molden<\/a> settled into a regular role in Jesse Minter\u2018s three-safety alignment. Molden joined Derwin James<\/a> and Alohi Gilman<\/a>, playing 761 snaps and grading as PFF\u2019s No. 17 safety.<\/p>\n

The Chargers used Molden mostly as a free safety, allowing James to roam, despite his CB background with the Titans. Molden\u2019s late-season broken leg hurt the Chargers\u2019 chances to win a playoff game, but after a career-high three INTs and seven passes defensed, the former third-rounder secured a long-term deal.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Whereas Stick saw extensive action to close the 2023 season, last season\u2019s QB dynamic played out like the Chargers hoped. Heinicke attempted five passes and made no starts, but the new coaching staff still saw enough from the former UDFA to retain him. At 32, Heinicke is seven years older than Lance. He also has made 29 career starts (to Lance\u2019s five).<\/p>\n

Heinicke did not have much time in Roman\u2019s system last year. That has since changed, making for an interesting QB2 matchup. This re-signing came weeks after the Chargers talked with<\/a> Jameis Winston<\/a>, who joined the Giants on a two-year, $8MM deal. With Herbert regularly playing through injuries, this is a position battle to watch.<\/p>\n

Three imported Titan draftees joined the Chargers in 2024; Tart accompanies Molden in recommitting. The Chargers gave Tart, waived by the Titans and Dolphins in a few months\u2019 time, a 32% usage rage (348 snaps). In that part-time role, PFF ranked him 10th among interior D-linemen. With Poona Ford<\/a> gone, Tart could log more playing time. Like Heinicke and Molden, Tart had a full offseason in L.A. after arriving just before last season.<\/p>\n

Notable losses:<\/p>\n

Eli Apple<\/a>, CB
\nJoey Bosa<\/a>, OLB (released<\/a>)
\nDJ Chark<\/a>, WR
\nJ.K. Dobbins<\/a>, RB
\nGus Edwards<\/a>, RB (released<\/a>)
\nSimi Fehoko<\/a>, WR
\nPoona Ford<\/a>, DT
\nMorgan Fox<\/a>, DL
\nKristian Fulton<\/a>, CB
\nMarcus Maye<\/a>, S
\nNick Niemann<\/a>, LB
\nJosh Palmer<\/a>, WR
\nChris Rumph<\/a>, OLB
\nAsante Samuel Jr.<\/a>, CB
\nStone Smartt<\/a>, TE
\nEaston Stick<\/a>, QB
\nMike Williams<\/a>, WR (retired<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Chargers gave Bosa a 2024 pay cut and did see him reach 14 games last season. That rework created a $12.36MM roster bonus the team opted to avoid paying. Previously set to carry an untenable $36.47MM cap number in the final year of his contract, Bosa now counts $11.11MM in dead money on the Charger payroll.<\/p>\n

Turning 30 earlier this month, Bosa delivered four double-digit sack seasons in L.A.; the last came in 2021. He missed 20 games between the 2022 and \u201923 seasons and already began Bills training camp (on a one-year, $12MM deal) on the shelf due to an offseason setback.<\/p>\n

The Chargers did see plenty of value from the former No. 3 overall pick, who anchored their pass rush for the bulk of his career. They will count on 2023 second-rounder Tuli Tuipulotu<\/a> post-Bosa. Tuipulotu has looked like a keeper, establishing a new career-high sack number (8.5, to go with 17 QB hits) despite being a part-timer alongside Bosa and Mack last season.<\/p>\n

Williams\u2019 Chargers return devolved into an offseason cameo; the former top-10 pick bailed on a one-year, $3MM contract<\/a> that now leaves $1.5MM in dead cap. As the Bolts regrouped with Bosa and Mack last year, they traded Keenan Allen<\/a> and released Williams. Coming off a 2023 ACL tear, Williams did not look himself in New York and Pittsburgh last season. The injury-prone wideout, who had been a key Herbert WR2 option until his ACL setback, produced 1,000-yard seasons in 2019 and \u201921.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The team using Williams in a meaningless Week 18 game in 2022 brought an injury that stripped Herbert of a vital weapon in a 27-point wild-card collapse, and his summer exit created questions about the team\u2019s non-Ladd McConkey<\/a> receiver batch. Allen\u2019s return should prevent second-rounder Tre Harris<\/a> from needing to be an immediate threat while also clouding Quentin Johnston<\/a>\u2018s place in the offense.<\/p>\n

Palmer did not mesh in Harbaugh\u2019s offense, drawing trade rumors before last year\u2019s deadline. The third-rounder had previously been a decent tertiary target, filling in for Allen and Williams for extended stretches. Showing the ability to play inside and out, Palmer drew extensive interest \u2014 on a WR market filled with 30-somethings \u2014 in free agency. Flashing brighter in 2022 (769 yards) and \u201923 (career-high 58.1 per game), the 25-year-old wideout scored a three-year, $30MM Bills deal.<\/p>\n

Dobbins received a Chargers offer to stay<\/a>; it likely was not a lucrative proposal due to the RB\u2019s $2.07MM Broncos deal. That is just $300K north of his Chargers value, that coming after a career-high 905 rushing yards last season. When healthy, Dobbins is more talented than Najee Harris<\/a>. Dobbins also had rabis in Hortiz and Roman, but he missed another four games (running his career total to 47) due to an MCL sprain. The Bolts slapped a UFA tender on<\/a> Dobbins after drafting Omarion Hampton<\/a>. A low-cost Broncos deal diminished the relevance of that move. Dobbins, 26, did replace Edwards as the starter quickly. No team has signed Edwards, who is now 30.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The team\u2019s veteran cornerback changeover led Samuel and Fulton off the roster. Fulton, who bounced back after being benched in his Titans contract year, started 14 games and drew a PFF grade just inside the top 40. The Chiefs, who have gone to great lengths to avoid notable CB payments, gave him a two-year deal worth $20MM.<\/p>\n

Samuel missed most of last season with a shoulder stinger. Multiple flareups let to a shutdown, and despite being younger than the other top CB options in March, Samuel (25) is unsigned. The second-generation NFL corner was a Chargers regular from 2021-23, helping the team after its J.C. Jackson<\/a> whiff. Samuel intercepted nine passes, counting a three-INT half in the wild-card collapse, from 2021-23.<\/p>\n

Da\u2019Shawn Hand<\/a> and Naquan Jones<\/a> are in place as the latest low-cost D-line options, replacing Fox and Ford. Fox logged a 53% snap rate in Minter\u2019s debut and served as a decent interior rush option during a three-year tenure, combining for 12 sacks from 2022-23. He joined the Falcons on a two-year, $5.5MM accord.<\/p>\n

Ford reestablished his value after a lost Buffalo year, starting 17 Bolts games and earning rave PFF reviews. The site\u2019s No. 5 overall interior D-lineman ranked as an elite run defender last season, though even as the team led the NFL in scoring defense (17.7 PPG), it ranked 14th against the run. Ford earned a bounce-back contract (three years, $27.6MM) from the Rams.<\/p>\n

Draft:<\/p>\n

Round 1, No. 22:\u00a0Omarion Hampton<\/a>\u00a0(RB, North Carolina) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 2, No. 55:\u00a0Tre Harris<\/a>\u00a0(WR, Ole Miss) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 3, No. 86:\u00a0Jamaree Caldwell<\/a>\u00a0(DT, Oregon) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 4, No. 125:\u00a0Kyle Kennard<\/a>\u00a0(OLB, South Carolina) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 5, No. 158:\u00a0KeAndre Lambert-Smith<\/a>\u00a0(WR, Auburn) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 5, No. 165 (from Commanders through Eagles):\u00a0Oronde Gadsden II<\/a>\u00a0(TE, Syracuse) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 6, No., 199:\u00a0Branson Taylor\u00a0(T, Pittsburgh) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 6, No. 214*:\u00a0R.J. Mickens<\/a>\u00a0(S, Clemson) (signed<\/a>)
\nRound 7, No. 256*:\u00a0Trikweze Bridges<\/a>\u00a0(CB, Florida) (signed<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Widely mocked to the Broncos at No. 20, Hampton became available after Denver strengthened its secondary (with Jahdae Barron<\/a>). Dobbins had spoken with the Broncos before the draft<\/a>, likely influencing their first-round call, and the one-and-done Charger may have helped Hampton replace him. The pick came after it appeared the Chargers were close to a trade-down agreement with the Eagles<\/a>. Communication with the league office may well have led to Hampton being L.A.-bound.<\/p>\n

Although the Bolts discussed trades with multiple teams, they were viewed as Hampton fans leading up to<\/a> the draft. The two-year Tar Heels starter was the consensus RB2 in a deep draft at the position. The Bolts will throw a formidable backfield at opponents, though the pick likely changes Najee Harris<\/a>\u2018 long-term L.A. standing. If it was not clear last year how much the Chargers\u2019 run-game commitment had changed via the Harbaugh\/Roman moves, this offseason solidified it.<\/p>\n

Sitting 13th on Daniel Jeremiah\u2019s NFL.com big board, Hampton follows Javonte Williams<\/a> as a coveted North Carolina back. His profile depicts a high-floor prospect. Hampton twice led the ACC in rushing, with back-to-back 1,500-plus-yard offerings; both seasons brought 5.9-yard averages per carry. The Chargers having him on a rookie contract through 2028 will allow for uncomplicated heavy workloads, as Harris is more likely to be a one-and-done with the team after this selection.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Frank Gore<\/a> was a central component during Harbaugh\u2019s 49ers years, and while San Francisco chose Carlos Hyde<\/a> in the 2014 second round, Hampton is the only Round 1 RB to arrive under Harbaugh. The Ravens chose Dobbins in the 2020 second round but did not draft a first-round back during Hortiz\u2019s time in the front office. Baltimore\u2019s last such move (Jamal Lewis, 2001) came when Hortiz was beginning his scouting career with the team.<\/p>\n

After hitting on a slot separator in Round 2 last year, the Chargers identified a complementary cog on the outside in Tre Harris. The SEC product goes 6-2, 205 pounds; he may have come at a discount due to a groin injury interrupting a strong season. Harris led Division I-FBS with 987 yards in mid-October (though, three of his four 130-plus-yard outings came against Group of Four or Division I-FCS opposition) before going down. To be fair, Harris scorched Kentucky\u2019s top-40 defense with an 11\/176\/1 line. While not possessing high-end speed, Harris also tallied 18.2 yards per catch (985 total) as a junior after transferring from Louisiana Tech.<\/p>\n

The Chargers landed a budding star in McConkey but did not seem to trust anyone else last season. Although Allen\u2019s return stands to provide a high-end stopgap, Harris profiles as a hopeful sidekick in a long-term inside-outside duo with McConkey.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Caldwell, who registered 6.5 sacks at Houston in 2023, joins a D-line that does not house a notable contract for the second straight year. Letting Fox walk reduced the Chargers commitment from its bare-bones 2024. The unit does not have anyone tied to even a $5MM AAV.<\/p>\n

In addition to the Chargers having some Jamaree-Jamaree matchups available to them (as Jamaree Salyer<\/a> remains an O-line backup), they added an OLB4 candidate in Kennard, the 2024 Nagurski Award winner. Kennard paired 16 TFLs with an SEC-most 11.5 sacks.<\/p>\n

The son of ex-Dan Marino target Oronde Gadsden became one of the level\u2019s top pass-catching tight ends, twice exceeding 930 receiving yards. Gadsden more than doubled any other Syracuse target\u2019s output in 2022 and, after a Lisfranc injury in 2023, was part of a more explosive Orange attack last season. Certainly more of an F tight end than old-school option, Gadsden \u2014 whom the Bolts traded up 16 spots to land<\/a> \u2014 has a window to become an intriguing Herbert option after what could be a Conklin stopgap year.<\/p>\n

Other:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Johnson has been a regular starter throughout his career, spending full seasons at both left and right guard. The CBA grouping all O-linemen together under the option umbrella helped lead to the Chargers \u2014 being the last team to make an option decision this year \u2014 passing on a fully guaranteed 2026 raise. Johnson also has gone through a more complicated offseason.<\/p>\n

The Chargers evaluated a move to center<\/a>, a position Johnson has not played in the NFL. But they abandoned the switch shortly after their preseason opener, keeping Johnson at left guard and Bradley Bozeman<\/a> at center. PFF has viewed Johnson as a mid-pack guard in each of his three seasons, slotting the Boston College alum between No. 38 and No. 44 at the position in that time.<\/p>\n

While the Chargers have added three first-round O-linemen since 2021, they have invested lightly along the interior for decades. Johnson was the Chargers\u2019 only interior O-line first- or second-round move over the past 23 years (D.J. Fluker<\/a> debuted as a tackle). The Chargers having Trey Pipkins<\/a> and Andre James<\/a> as interior options also could impact Johnson (or Bozeman\u2019s<\/a>) starter status, making this a storyline to watch as camp rolls on. For now, though, the Chargers are using a Slater-Johnson-Bozeman-Becton-Joe Alt<\/a> starting O-line.<\/p>\n

Top 10 cap charges for 2025:<\/p>\n

Justin Herbert<\/a>, QB: $37.35MM
\nDerwin James<\/a>, S: $13.75MM
\nKhalil Mack<\/a>, OLB: $18MM
\nRashawn Slater<\/a>, LT: $14.8MM
\nTrey Pipkins<\/a>, G: $9.25MM
\nJoe Alt<\/a>, RT: $7.54MM
\nMekhi Becton<\/a>, G: $7.32MM
\nAlohi Gilman<\/a>, S: $6.75MM
\nWill Dissly<\/a>, TE: $5.88MM
\nNajee Harris<\/a>, RB: $5.25MM<\/p>\n

Beyond the Bosa move (and the mistake of introducing new uniform wrinkles that will minimize an exquisite powder blue-on-gold combo), the Chargers did not make foundational changes this offseason. They were able to retain Minter, who did not draw a single HC interview after reviving team\u2019s defense, and are now in Year 2 of the Harbaugh-Roman offense. The Chargers have not made the playoffs in consecutive years since their AFC West four-peat in the late 2000s. That will be expected to change this season.<\/p>\n

The Bolts and Broncos will take aim at the Chiefs after their dicey skate to the threepeat precipice unraveled, but the Chargers have been the dynasty\u2019s top challenger on the whole. A retooled Raiders team and a Broncos squad making a host of enhancements should create stronger competition for the Bolts, but their 2024 season showed this operation will be difficult to displace from the playoff picture.<\/p>\n

Lacking a true home-field advantage may matter with the margin for error in the division shrinking and Pete Carroll joining Andy Reid and Sean Payton as Super Bowl-winning AFC West HCs, but Harbaugh has proven ruthlessly consistent in fielding competitive outfits. The accomplished leader will need his best stuff to take a run at the Chiefs and hold off the Broncos this season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As he had done at his other career stops, Jim Harbaugh orchestrated a turnaround season in his Chargers…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":267378,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2064],"tags":[241,7,1014,262,2444,2443,6,35822,4442],"class_list":{"0":"post-267377","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-los-angeles-chargers","8":"tag-chargers","9":"tag-football","10":"tag-los-angeles","11":"tag-los-angeles-chargers","12":"tag-losangeles","13":"tag-losangeleschargers","14":"tag-nfl","15":"tag-offseason-in-review","16":"tag-pfr-originals"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/114984022599532704","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/267377","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=267377"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/267377\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/267378"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=267377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=267377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=267377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}