Joe Hortiz
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Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz
Like how most free agency periods unfold, the Los Angeles Chargers have lost some, and gained some.
Players like pass rusher Odafe Oweh, offensive guard Zion Johnson, and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste have all found new teams. However, Los Angeles has made signings such as center Tyler Biadasz, tight end Charlie Kolar, offensive guard Cole Strange, and running back Keaton Mitchell.
The Chargers began the offseason with roughly just under $100 million in salary cap space, which was the second-most in the NFL. That led some to believe they would go after some big name free agents with an “all-in” mentality on making a Super Bowl run. Although the names above that they’ve acquired should make an impact, they aren’t high profile players.
NFL Insider Believes Los Angeles Chargers Have Handled Free Agency the Right Way
Some fans are frustrated with the lack of big moves made by the Chargers this offseason, but NFL insider Albert Breer had a more calming and levelheaded evaluation in his mailbag piece for Sports Illustrated.
“I think Joe Hortiz is one of the better evaluators in football, and I’d trust that certain facets of the team are really going to show it when we get to the season. You don’t need me to tell you how good his first pick, Jim Harbaugh, tackle Joe Alt, is, already among the very best in the sport at his position, or how much it’ll mean for the team to have Alt and Rashawn Slater back this year. What is less expected, though, is the progress that I think you’re going to see at receiver, behind 2024 second-rounder Ladd McConkey and 2025 second-rounder Tre Harris.
Or the steps that the interior of the offensive line, with guards Cole Strange and Trevor Penning and center Tyler Bidasz coming in, is ready to take. I think slowly and steadily the roster’s been remade in Harbaugh’s image, and that’s what sustained it last year through a slew of injuries. I know every fan base wants to see their team take the big swing and bring in the flashy vet. The Chargers were an 11-win team despite all the attrition. They have their core guys. And with a little internal improvement, some mid-level signings hitting, and improved health, this crew will be a threat in the AFC.”
Sports Illustrated
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Remaining Free Agents Who Could Fit With Chargers
The Chargers can continue to strengthen their roster, and still have plenty of cap space to do so. At this point they may wait until after the 2026 NFL Draft, and make moves based on how that shakes out.
There is plenty of talent remaining in the wide receiver free agent market, such as Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel, and Tyreek Hill. Adding another veteran receiver would round out the room well and give quarterback Justin Herbert another needed weapon to work with.
Los Angeles could also use some quality depth at pass rusher. Guys like Jadeveon Clowney, Von Miller, and Derek Barnett would make sense. A potential reunion with all-time Chargers great Joey Bosa could be on the table as well.