The Chargers overachieved in Jim Harbaugh’s season despite the disappointing first-round exit in the postseason. The team won 11 games and were able to establish a real identity under Harbaugh.
The future is bright in Los Angeles, and now it’s time to look ahead to the offseason. There are a few noticeable holes on the roster, and we’ll go through the biggest positions of need this offseason for the Chargers.
Wide receiver
Time and time again, we saw Justin Herbert’s wideouts drop crucial passes this season. Ladd McConkey is here to stay for the long-term, and Quentin Johnston did show some improvements. With that, the Chargers still need a legit No. 1 playmaker on the outsider, like a Tee Higgins in free agency. Keenan Allen even teased that he would consider a return to Los Angeles. Regardless of who it is, the Chargers must get Herbert some help at wideout and it should be at the top of the priority list.
Tight end
Just behind the wide receiver position, the Chargers need tight end talent badly as well. Recent mock drafts have had Los Angeles using their first-round draft selection on a tight end. This year’s talent at the position was subpar in both the pass-catching and blocking department. Don’t be surprised to see the front office bring in multiple tight ends this offseason.
Center
The offensive line is set at offensive tackle, but center was the clear weakness of this unit in 2024. Veteran Bradley Bozeman was brought in on a cheap deal, and it didn’t exactly work out. He was regularly the weak link of the offensive line, and it’s time Los Angeles gets younger at this position anyways.
Running back
J.K. Dobbins proved to be a good value pickup, but as we saw, his injury history is quite concerning. While he can’t be relied upon for a full 17-game season, he could be a candidate to come back on a short-term deal. Still, it would be wise to possibly draft a tailback in this year’s deep class, or go back into the free agency pool. That should help this offense be more two-dimensional in 2025, something Harbaugh prefers.
Guard
Zion Johnson is inconsistent at times, but he is still a starter in 2025 on the left side. The team does have a decision to make with his fifth-year option though, so guard may still be a long-term need. On the right side, the team should be looking for reinforcements both through the draft and via free agency. Trey Pipkins III was not good enough, particularly in pass protection, in 2024.
Interior defensive line
Poona Ford is the big name to watch here, as he had a breakout season this year and is set to hit free agency. He was dominant on the inside, particularly in the run game. Even if Ford is brought back, some depth is still needed amongst this unit.
Cornerback
Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr. are both set to become free agents so the team must decide on those two first and foremost. Beyond that, Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still figure to be in the plans at the position moving forward. The team will need depth, at minimum, at the position still. The front office may even want to consider looking at getting a No. 1 corner in free agency, particularly if they lose both Fulton and Samuel.
Edge defender
This is largely dependent on the fate of Khalil Mack, who is set to turn 34 years old in a little over a month. The veteran is coming off his third consecutive Pro Bowl appearance, and he was phenomenal under Jesse Minter this year. The team should do everything in its power to bring him back, but if they do lose him, this becomes a huge area of concern.
