Chargers face a looming roster dilemma that adds urgency to their draft picks and how quickly they can contribute in 2025
The Los Angeles Chargers have built a strong roster that wants to compete for a postseason berth for the second season in a row. It is a mixture of young and veteran talent, but there is a bit of pressure on Los Angeles to find success with their youth in order to see a clearer […]
The Los Angeles Chargers have built a strong roster that wants to compete for a postseason berth for the second season in a row.
It is a mixture of young and veteran talent, but there is a bit of pressure on Los Angeles to find success with their youth in order to see a clearer future on both sides of the football.
Chargers will face tough roster decisions soon
Los Angeles will have plenty of unrestricted free agents following the upcoming season for Jim Harbaugh's club. That means they will have expiring contracts to either renew, or they will have to add plenty of new faces next offseason.
According to Jason at OverTheCap, the Chargers will have the most players that played at least 25% of snaps last year who will be UFAs in the 2026 offseason (19). The next-closest team is the Cleveland Browns in 18.
This is where roster construction and this year's draft class must really play a role for the long-term success in Los Angeles. If they can find a handful of impact players from this year's draft class, then they can plan on those young players holding down roles for the foreseeable future.
Those free agents next offseason will then become a bit more expendable.
Notable names who are slated to hit free agency for the Chargers in 2026 include Khalil Mack, Alohi Gilman, Najee Harris, Rashawn Slater, Tyler Conklin, and Trey Pipkins.
You would have to think that general manager Joe Hortiz and the rest of LA's front office will find a way to extend Slater, who has emerged as a top-flight offensive tackle option in the NFL.
No matter what – young players need to show their potential this season for Jim Harbaugh, or there will be a shadow cast on the roster entering next offseason.
Winning in the postseason would ease that pressure as well. We will see how it shakes out for the Bolts.
