2025 free agent wish list for the Los Angeles Chargers that could put them all-in for a Super Bowl run next season
The Los Angeles Chargers laid a solid foundation in their first year under coach Jim Harbaugh, now it is time to take the next step and go all-in on getting to the Super Bowl. They are in excellent position to do in 2025. The Chargers have roughly $91 million in salary cap space to work […]
The Los Angeles Chargers laid a solid foundation in their first year under coach Jim Harbaugh, now it is time to take the next step and go all-in on getting to the Super Bowl.
They are in excellent position to do in 2025. The Chargers have roughly $91 million in salary cap space to work with, and possesses eight picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The goal of most teams is to fill as many holes in their roster during free agency as possible, allowing them to draft the best players available regardless of position.
With plenty of money to spend and not a ton of roster needs, Los Angeles should be able to take that mindset. Here is our 2025 free agent wish list for the Chargers:
C Ryan Kelly
Kelly is a nine-year NFL veteran who is a former first-round draft pick of the Colts. He has spent his entire career in Indianapolis, signing a four-year, $50 million contract extension towards the end of his rookie deal. Kelly has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was named Second-Team All-Pro in 2020.
The Chargers interior offensive line struggled last year, including starting center Bradley Bozeman, who is also set to hit free agency. Kelly would help solidify L.A.'s interior O-line, while also providing veteran leadership and experience. Spotrac currently has Kelly command a two-year, $16,975 million contract on the open market, which would be very doable for L.A. and reasonable for a player of Kelly's caliber.
EDGE Josh Sweat
Sweat is arguably the best pass rusher available in this year's free agent class. He has spent his entire seven-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, and has averaged eight sacks over his last three seasons. Sweat turned in a dominant performance in Super Bowl LIX, recording six total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and four quarterback pressures.
The Chargers have an obvious need for a pass rusher after releasing Joey Bosa and likely not re-signing Khalil Mack. At 27-years-old, Sweat is in his prime and is younger than both Bosa and Mack. Spotrac projects Sweat receiving close to $20 million per year on a three-to-five year contract, but that isn't bad compared to pass rushers such as Maxx Crosby and Nick Bosa, who both make well north of $30 million per year.
WR Stefon Diggs
Davante Adams may have been the headliner when it comes to the 2025 WR free agent class (now signed with the Los Angeles Rams), but let's not disregard Diggs. A model of consistency, Diggs recorded six straight 1,000 receiving yard seasons up until 2024. He was on pace for a seventh before tearing his ACL in Week 8.
Coming off a major injury such as that is a bit of a concern, but he'll have a shot to be ready to go for the start of the regular season. Because of the ACL tear, Diggs will come cheaper than what Adams signed for. Diggs also has a higher yards per season career average than Adams and is a year younger. L.A. badly needs a legitimate outside WR to compliment slot Ladd McConkey, who mostly operates in the slot.
TE Tyler Conklin
The Chargers didn't get a lot of production out of their TE group last season. Will Dissly is a run-of-the-mill player, and Stone Smartt remains largely unproven and inexperienced. QB Justin Herbert could really benefit from having a safety blanket at TE across the middle of the field.
Enter Conklin, who has been a very steady producer over the last four years. During that span he has averaged 58 catches and 554 yards per season. He is also a very good blocking TE, in both the running and passing game. Conklin and Dissly would make a fine combination and would benefit from keeping each other fresh. Spotrac currently has Conklin's market value at around $9 million per year.
It is very realistic for the Chargers to be able to pull off all of these moves. If they did, while also adding a couple of impact players from the draft, they would have one of the most complete rosters in the entire league. L.A. would be the best suited AFC West team to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs in years. The Chargers' championship window is open, and they need to strike while the iron is hot.
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