The Chargers defense, in the first year under coordinator Jesse Minter, took a massive step forward in 2024. In fact, they were the best scoring defense in the regular season.
As one can presume, most of the team’s needs come on the offensive side of the ball this offseason. Pro Football Focus has different ideas though in the form of making the defense even stronger.
Mason Cameron touts the Chargers as a top potential suitor for one of the best free agents this offseason in the form of Jevon Holland, who has spent the first four seasons of his career with the Dolphins.
The Chargers also face the difficult task of replacing key secondary players, set to lose five of their top 10 snap contributors. With Derwin James’ success acting as the primary slot defender in 2024, Los Angeles may look to shore up a back end that will be left rather barren, with Alohi Gilman being the only other safety under contract.
Holland, who just finished up his rookie deal, has established himself as one of the best safeties in the league. The Chargers have Derwin James, considered arguably the best safety in the NFL, but as Cameron points out, he was used all over the field this past season.
Back in 2021, it should be noted that the Chargers did meet with Holland ahead of the NFL draft. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it to the Chargers in the second round as they settled for cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. 11 picks later instead.
Holland went to college with quarterback Justin Herbert as well at Oregon. His play took a bit of a step back in 2024, particularly in coverage. Holland failed to snag an interception for the first time in his career and forced just one forced fumble in addition to four pass deflections on the season.
Similar to James, the star safety is stellar in the run game though. Assuming he can return to his 2022 and 2023 form, Holland is a playmaker all over the field.
Somehow, he has still yet to make a Pro Bowl in his young career. There’s no doubt that he’s that kind of a player though, so he will demand a rather large contract. With a guy like Joey Bosa possibly becoming a cap casualty, the Chargers could have plenty of money to spend this offseason.
