The Los Angeles Chargers face a tough six-game sprint to close the season before really worrying about the big offseason items like free agents, cap space and the draft.
Still, with the Chargers on a bye week and hoping to bounce back from that devastating loss to Jacksonville, fans have some free time to think about these things well in advance.
NFL mock drafts already outline some of the major areas of need for the Chargers ahead of the offseason. One glance at the list of free agents, too, really paints a clear picture.
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Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Teair Tart
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
We’ll see if Khalil Mack wants to return for yet another season after pondering retirement this past offseason. They’d surely welcome him back on a similar deal.
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Perhaps just as big at this point, though? Breakout defender Teair Tart is up for another contract. Former first-rounder Odafe Oweh, who came over at the trade deadline, has been a breakout success and worth a long-term deal.
Another almost wildcard-like thing to consider? Former first-round pick Zion Johnson has had a pretty solid season and, on the upswing, might be worth another deal.
Other depth names, from Trevor Penning and Trey Lance, will likely be priority re-signings as Jim Harbaugh and Co. continue to build the foundation of this budding era for the franchise.
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