by 2024 season: 11-6, second in AFC West, lost of Texans in Wild-Card Round
Overview: The first season of Jim Harbaugh with the Chargers was undoubtedly a success, even if it ended in the same way as it always seems.
The chargers made the play -offs for the second time in the past three seasons, but were rolled by Houston in the first round. The team has not won a play -off game since the 2018 campaign.
Although the finish was not great, the chargers are in a very good place this season with many available means to let it go back. Justin Herbert is a top-tier Quarterback in the competition that threw only three interceptions throughout the season. He just misses a true reliable goal or two to take the next step. If the chargers can place the right pieces around him and sign a few important players on both sides of the ball, there is no reason why this team will not be back in the play-off yacht next fall.
Important free agents
RB JK Dobbins
WR DJ CHARK
In Hayden Hurst
The Khalil Mack
Who is in/out: The chargers must find a way to reach a new deal with Khalil Mack, and there is a very easy way for them to do that. He has been their most reliable pass Rusher for years, and there is no reason to let him go when they have the money to even conclude a short -term agreement with him.
The chargers must also re -sign Dobbins. He had a career-high 905 Yards and nine touchdowns in just 13 games before he went down with an injury. If he is healthy, he is their best option to run back – and it is worthwhile to give him another chance for a short deal.
Main needs in free agent
Width
Tight end
Why the holes? Herbert needs reliable goals, so landing an experienced receiver or tight end – or both – in the free desk would be enormous for LA’s violation. Ladd McConkey was by far the best receiver of the Chargers and Quentin Johnston had his moments. But that was about it. The chargers also need a reliable tight end, so they don’t have to split between Will Disly and Stone Smartt.
The chargers get opportunities to meet both needs in the design, but adding at least one option for Herbert in Free Agency can go a long way.
Do they have the money?
Yes. The chargers enter the low season with almost $ 65 million in CAP space, which is the fifth in the competition.
Remarkably projected cuts
The Joey Bosa
Ol Trey Pipkins III
Why they might be gone: Bosa and the Chargers have to split this out of season.
Bosa has largely struggling to stay on the field for the past three seasons, and he only had 22 total tackles and five bags in 2024. The soon 30-year-old looked very average when he was on the field. Splitting with Bosa would release more than $ 25 million in CAP space this season, which could undoubtedly be used defensively elsewhere.
As for Pipkins, he struggled last season after he moved to guard when Rookie Joe Alt took over from Tackle. If the chargers cut him out of season this season, they will free up almost $ 7 million in space.
Picks
1st round: No. 22
2nd round: No. 55
3rd round: No. 86
4th round
5th round
5th round (compensating)
6th round (from Patriots)
6th round
6th round (compensating)
7th round (from browns)
7th round (compensating)
Good fit
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The chargers could use a broad receiver to give Herbert more options, and Golden had a very impressive year with the Longhorns in the midst of their run in the play -off of the University Football. He is incredibly fast and he has collected nine touchdowns with 987 receiving yards. Golden is a great playmaker who can immediately intervene and Herbert and the attack of the Chargers can help finally get over the bump.
Finding a new beginning back
JK Dobbins was one of the best stories of this year that returned from another major injury, but he has never reached 200 Carry’s in a season and has entered 2025 as an unlimited free agent. Los Angeles wants to continue running the ball heavily, so tackling RB will be a top priority this season. The one who becomes the next lead of the chargers will be a fantasy scam. —Dalton del Don
