Chargers Team Notes

[Los Angeles Chargers]

See what's going on with your LA Chargers!

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

There is just one game remaining in the NFL season, so the offseason rumor mill has already fired up. On Monday morning, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett requested a trade after eight incredible seasons in Cleveland.

Every fan’s initial reaction is how their team can try and trade for the six-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer. There are only a select few teams in the league that are realistic, legitimate suitors for Garrett though.

The verdict is still out on just who those teams could be. A trade for Garrett would likely require a first-round pick and more, something that any team should be willing to fork over for a player of his caliber.

This is all if he does get truly traded, although the Browns have minimal leverage at this point. The Chargers could be a potential landing spot for Garrett though, and the fit makes sense for a few different reasons:

Money

Garrett signed a five-year, $125 million extension back in 2020, which is considered to be a steal of a contract for him nowadays. The veteran star has two years left on his contract, and not every team can afford his $20 million cap hit each of the next two seasons. The Chargers are one of the teams that could afford him, as they enter this offseason with over $63 million in cap space, the fifth-most in the NFL.

Positional need

The Chargers had one of the best pass rushes in the league in 2024 as their 46 sacks finished tied-for-sixth. Things may look a bit different in 2025 though. Khalil Mack had a phenomenal year but he is set to become a free agent and his future in Los Angeles is up in the air.

The same can be said for Joey Bosa, who is due for a cap hit of $36+ million in 2025. He becomes an obvious cap casualty, and that would logically have to take place in order for the Chargers to take on Garrett’s contract. There’s no doubt that the Chargers would be in need of a pass rusher and who better to go after than the 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year.

Trajectory of franchise

Per his social media post(s), Garrett’s primary reason for the trade request was the desire to win a Super Bowl. The Browns won just one playoff game in his tenure, and things aren’t getting any better over there after a 3-14 season.

The Chargers went an impressive 11-6 this season and are a team that is trending upwards. Jim Harbaugh seems to be a coach that a lot of players would want to play for. Furthermore, this was the No. 1 defense in 2024 in its first season under coordinator Jesse Minter. Garrett would only elevate the defense even more and could turn this team into legitimate contenders.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/03/chargers-landing-spot-browns-myles-garrett/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

There has been some big trade news out of the NFL this week. First, it was Myles Garrett who requested a trade.

Next, Cooper Kupp made a social media post about how the Rams will be trading him this offseason. Surprisingly, the veteran has only made one Pro Bowl in his eight-year career, which was in 2021, when he went off for an incredible 1,947 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.

He’s eclipsed 1,000 yards just twice in his injury-plagued career. Kupp will be 32 years old by the time the 2025 season kicks off, so his best days seem to be behind him.

We identified why Garrett could be a fit in Los Angeles, so can the same thing be said for Kupp? Well, let’s identify some reasons why it could work out.

Chargers need a wide receiver badly

It’s the most significant offseason need for the Chargers, evident throughout the 2024 season. Time and time again, Ladd McConkey was the only guy who could get open for Justin Herbert.

Kupp is among the best in the NFL in finding the soft spot in his opponents’ coverage. Health is a concern, as he’s played in 33 games over the last three years. That said, when he’s on the field, Kupp is a massive upgrade over anything the Chargers have right now other than McConkey.

Kupp won’t cost much in terms of assets

As aforementioned, Kupp is set to turn 32 years old, and he isn’t the 2021 version of himself. With cap hits of $27+ million each of the next two years, it’s hard to imagine that the Rams will get anything significant in return.

This gives the Chargers a potential low-risk, high-reward trade. With just two years left on his contract, they have little downside to acquiring Kupp. The Chargers can afford him, too, as they have the sixth-most cap space entering this offseason.

Locker room presence

On top of the on-field play, Kupp brings veteran leadership to the locker room. The Chargers have a solid locker room with Jim Harbaugh leading the squad, but you can never have too many veteran leaders.

Kupp has won a Super Bowl, so he knows what it takes to get the job done. He would be a perfect mentor for McConkey, who is set to enter his second NFL season in 2025.

It would be interesting to see how Kupp and McConkey fit together in the same offense. Both of them spend the majority of their snaps in the slot, so one of them would have to revert to the outside.

According to DraftKings, the Chargers are tied for third (+600) in terms of odds for Kupp’s next landing spot. This is a move that the Bolts should at least have discussions on this offseason.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/04/chargers-rams-cooper-kupp-landing-spot/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

It’s no secret that the Chargers are a few moves away from becoming legitimate contenders in 2025. With over $65 million in cap space, the front office has the resources to improve this team this offseason.

Most of its issues come on the offensive side of the ball, as the Chargers had the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL in 2024. On Micah Parsons’ podcast, safety Derwin James reflected on which positions the team should go after this offseason:

“Like you say, you know, it starts in the trenches. We gotta secure the trenches and then get the guys on the outside that are gonna catch the ball and go do it and make plays.”

James is not wrong, as the interior offensive line and wide receiver are arguably the two most significant needs for this team. The defensive line remains a mystery as well, given the fact that Poona Ford is a free agent.

Ford was the unit’s best player in 2024, so it would be wise for the front office to do whatever they can to re-sign him. Center and right guard were liabilities along the offensive line this past season, so that’s where the front office will look to address.

The other three spots along the offensive line are locked down with young studs. Whether it be through the draft or free agency, there’s no doubt that the team will be going hard after the wide receiver position. A trade could even be a possibility, such as Cooper Kupp.

There’s nothing wrong with what James said, as he spoke nothing but facts. The veteran defensive back is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. As a result, he earned his fourth trip to the Pro Bowl.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/04/chargers-derwin-james-positional-needs/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Draft season is officially upon us, as the East-West Shrine Bowl and Reese’s Senior Bowl ushered the football world into February with a week of all-star showings. With intel beginning to circulate and players rising and falling based on their performance, things will only reach a fever pitch as the NFL Combine approaches at the end of this month.

Let’s take a moment to evaluate what the Chargers might do when the draft rolls around in April.

Round 1, Pick 22: Michigan DL Kenneth Grant

A different Wolverine – tight end Colston Loveland – has been the most popular pick for the Chargers in this spot, but the rising stock of Penn State’s Tyler Warren could pull Loveland above the 22nd spot. Grant attended the Shrine Bowl but only participated in interviews, where he told at least one media member that he’d love to reunite with head coach Jim Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and defensive line coach Mike Elston in LA.

A disruptive pass rusher from 1-technique, Grant would add a much-needed pass rush presence from the interior. Poona Ford and Teair Tart are free agents this offseason, which could magnify the need for a presence on the inside.

Round 2, Pick 54: Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins

Higgins was arguably the best receiver at this year’s Senior Bowl, as he showed a routine ability to run past defensive backs down the field and make tough catches. He finished the 2024 season with one of the lowest drop rates in the country as the Cyclones’ primary target.

The Chargers need a bona fide threat on the outside, with Ladd McConkey set in stone in the slot. Joshua Palmer is a free agent and Quentin Johnston has still not risen to the level LA thought he would when he was drafted 21st overall in 2023.

Round 3, Pick 87: LSU TE Mason Taylor

Another attendee of the Senior Bowl, Taylor looked smooth as a route runner in Mobile, consistently beating linebackers with quickness and defensive backs at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds. The son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, the LSU product also comes with an NFL pedigree.

While not an overly dynamic vertical route runner, Taylor fits nicely into a Greg Roman scheme that wants tight ends to find soft spots in zones underneath. A well-rounded player who will also be a solid blocker, Taylor could easily step in as a rookie starter despite his Day 2 landing spot.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/04/chargers-mock-draft-kenneth-grant-jayden-higgins/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

It’s Super Bowl week…but not for the Chargers.

Instead, it’s that time when fans reminisce on what could be if their favorite team were in the Super Bowl and begin looking towards next year to get an early idea of what sportsbooks make out of their squad making it.

For the Bolts, they are the seventh overall favorite to win Super Bowl LX and fifth among AFC teams at +2500, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

The teams that have better odds than Los Angeles are the Chiefs (+600), Ravens (+650), Eagles (+700), Bills (+700), Lions (+950), 49ers (+1600), Commanders (+2000), Packers (+2000) and Bengals (+2000).

The Chargers are coming off an impressive season under Jim Harbaugh’s first year as the team’s head coach. They finished with an 11-6 record in the regular season and earned a spot in the playoffs.

Los Angeles is in great shape to bolster the roster, as they’re projected to have over $60 million in cap space to bring back some of their top players and sign free agents. Additionally, they are expected to have ten draft picks.

If general manager Joe Hortiz can hit a home run this offseason, the Chargers could make a deep run next season.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/05/los-angeles-chargers-early-super-bowl-odds/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

The Chargers have hired Adam Fuller as the team’s new safeties coach, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

Fuller will replace former safeties coach Chris O’Leary, who left to become the defensive coordinator at Western Michigan.

Fuller previously served as Florida State’s defensive coordinator, a role that he held from 2020-24. He was Memphis’ defensive coordinator in 2019 and at Marshall from 2013-18 on the defensive staff.

Fuller was the defensive coordinator at Chattanooga from 2009-12. He spent the 2008 season as the head coach at Assumption College.

Fuller coached cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. in 2020.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/05/chargers-coaching-staff-adam-fuller/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Antonio Gates is finally in.

After missing the cut last year, Gates will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH.

The other members of the Class of 2025 are Eric Allen, Jared Allen and Sterling Sharpe (senior).

Gates never played college football despite initially enrolling at Michigan State with the hopes of playing basketball and football. He transferred to two schools before ending up at Kent State.

This is where he helped the Golden Flashes reach the Elite Eight of the 2002 NCAA tournament. He switched to football after graduation, signing with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2003.

Little did we know when Gates entered the league that he would go on to be one of the best to play the sport and revolutionize the tight end position.

Gates finished his 16-year career, all with the Bolts, with 955 receptions for 11,841 yards and 116 touchdowns. His 116 touchdown receptions are the most by a tight end in NFL history.

Gates was a five-time All-Pro selection and made eight Pro Bowl teams.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/06/chargers-antonio-gates-pro-football-hall-of-fame/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Antonio Gates was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday.

Before it was officially announced to the public, Gates’ former teammate and Chargers great LaDainian Tomlinson surprised him with the big news.

“It’s my honor to welcome you into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025,” Tomlinson said.

In the video, Gates revealed that his father passed away recently and his funeral was a week before.

“He would always talk about being a competitor, being tough,” Gates said about his dad.

Watch the heartwarming video below.

LT was the one to tell Gates he was in

pic.twitter.com/GWECQl6WXF

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) February 7, 2025

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2...tonio-gates-ladainian-tomlinson-hall-of-fame/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Finally!

After being left off last year, former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has finally been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 2025 class.

Here’s a sampling of how fans and pundits reacted to the news on Twitter/X.

Antonio Gates:

116 career receiving TDs

– 7th among all players
– 1st among TEs

Hall of Famer pic.twitter.com/LO6Ea3qGNg

— PFF (@PFF) February 7, 2025

Spending his entire career with the @chargers, Antonio Gates was a four-time first-team All-Pro. Gates is now Pro Football Hall of Famer No. 381! @visualedgeit #PFHOF25 pic.twitter.com/VYsD4cyobc

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 7, 2025

Antonio Gates-headed to Canton.

Think I know someone who’s happy for him

pic.twitter.com/IFKMbxgU5H

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) February 7, 2025

Seeing Antonio Gates get inducted into the HOF after carrying my fantasy team as a kid: pic.twitter.com/vJFCMVBMNW

— ESPN BET (@ESPNBET) February 7, 2025

I will never ever take the opportunity to cover and work alongside some of the greatest players in this game for granted.

Being around a pro like Antonio Gates since 2014 is indicative of that.

Congrats to the greatest to ever do it.

Light up Canton with that smile, Gatesy! pic.twitter.com/JWaKe685LG

— Hayley Elwood (@HayleyElwood) February 7, 2025

Bout time Antonio gates got in

— Simi Fehoko (@Simi_Fehoko) February 7, 2025

A year too late, but better late than never.

Congrats to Chargers legend Antonio Gates for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A truly great player and now he will be enshrined with the other greatest players in NFL history.

That Gold Jacket is forever!

— Daniel Wade (@dantalkssports) February 7, 2025

Antonio Gates is the most deserving player in this class. Love to see it

— Sam Wagman (@swagman95) February 7, 2025

The only Chargers with 100+ touchdowns:

LaDainian Tomlinson
Antonio Gates

Now, both are enshrined in Canton. pic.twitter.com/9Ygolb1qIj

— StatMuse Football (@statmusefb) February 7, 2025

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2...io-gates-hall-of-fame-social-media-reactions/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

The Chargers had one player who was a finalist for one of the major awards on Thursday night at NFL Honors.

Running back J.K. Dobbins finished second in Comeback Player of the Year voting behind Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Dobbins received three first-place votes.

Dobbins was the only finalist, but some other players and coaches did receive votes following the 2024 season.

Here’s a quick look at the Chargers receiving votes for major awards.

Most Valuable Player of the Year​

Quarterback Justin Herbert received three fourth-place votes. Bills QB Josh Allen was the winner.

Comeback Player of the Year​

Herbert received one third-place vote, one fourth-place vote and two fifth-place votes.

Assistant Coach of the Year​

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter received two second-place votes, five third-place votes and two fifth-place votes. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was the winner.

Offensive Rookie of the Year​

Offensive tackle Joe Alt received two third-place votes and two fifth-place votes. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey got two fourth-place votes and one fifth-place vote. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was the winner.

Defensive Rookie of the Year​

Cornerback Tarheeb Still received one first-place vote, three third-place votes, two fourth-place votes and four fifth-place votes. Rams edge rusher Jared Verse was the winner.

Coach of the Year​

Head coach Jim Harbaugh received three second-place votes, three third-place votes, 12 fourth-place votes and 11 fifth-place votes. Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell was the winner.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/07/chargers-nfl-honors-awards-justin-herbert-jk-dobbins/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Rumor: WR Davante Adams 'open' to joining Chargers if released

The Chargers will be in the market for a wide receiver this offseason. There will be plenty of intriguing options in free agency, and one wideout still under contract could be among the crop.

Davante Adams is a candidate to be released by the Jets. Should he become available, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that he is “intrigued” by the idea of returning to play on the West Coast and “open” to teams like the Chargers.

Adams also mentioned the Rams and 49ers as teams he’d be interested in playing for.

Adams finished the 2024 season with 85 catches for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns during his time with the Raiders and Jets. This marked his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season.

The 32-year-old Adams would provide Los Angeles’ offense with a reliable receiver for Justin Herbert on one-on-one balls, something they haven’t had since losing Mike Williams.

Adams would only open things for rookie sensation Ladd McConkey, who led the team with 1,149 yards this past season. The veteran wideout’s presence could also aid Quentin Johnston, who had a team-high eight touchdowns.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/09/chargers-jets-davante-adams-cut-rumor/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers stack deck in Chad Reuter's 3-round mock draft

NFL Media’s Chad Reuter released his latest three-round mock draft. In it, he sees the Chargers addressing the defensive side of the ball in the first two rounds and the interior part of the offensive line in Round 3.

With their first-round selection, Los Angeles selects former Georgia safety Malaki Starks.

Starks is a versatile defender with excellent cover skills who’s capable of playing free safety or nickel, depending on the Chargers’ needs.

The Chargers have bigger needs in the trenches if they go defense in Round 1, but there’s no denying they would benefit from Starks’ presence on the backend from Day 1. Arguably the top safety in this class, Starks is great in coverage and at stopping the run.

In Round 2, L.A. bolsters the defensive line with the selection of former Florida State defensive tackle Joshua Farmer.

Poona Ford and Teair Tartt are both set to hit the free agency market. And even if they’re re-signed, the positional group still needs more juice.

Farmer is an imposing defender at 6-foot-3 and 314 pounds with over 35-inch arms. He uses his length and upper-body strength very well to hold the point of attack and move blockers back. Farmer also possesses the get-off lateral quicks to quickly get into the backfield.

With their selection in the third round, the Chargers add former Boston College center Drew Kendall.

The Chargers have a hole at center with Bradley Bozeman’s contract expired. Bozeman is a candidate to return, but the team needs to start thinking about having a long-term plan for the position. Kendall possesses the athletic ability, play strength and run-blocking skills to fight for a starting job.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/10/chargers-nfl-mock-draft-malaki-starks-joshua-farmer/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

What does Elijah Molden's projected free agent contract look like?

With Chargers safety Elijah Molden set to become a free agent this offseason, what could his next contract be?

Pro Football Focus recently made a projection for Molden and the other top 100 free agents this offseason.

According to PFF, they are projecting that Molden will land a one-year deal with $4.5 million. This includes $3 million guaranteed.

Acquired from the Titans right before the 2024 season, Molden was an integral piece of Jesse Minter’s defense. He served as the third safety alongside Derwin James and Alohi Gilman.

Before sustaining a broken leg in Week 17, Molden had career-highs in tackles (75), interceptions (3) and passes defended (7). His 75.6 PFF overall grade ranked 12th among qualified safeties, and his 75.4 PFF coverage grade was 11th.

The Chargers would be wise to bring Molden back, given his playmaking ability on the backend and his presence in the deep parts of the field allows James to be at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/10/chargers-elijah-molden-free-agency-contract/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers 2025 NFL draft target: Michigan DT Kenneth Grant

Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up to the 2025 NFL draft.

With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Today, I take a look at Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.

Vitals​

Height: 6-3

Weight: 342

College Bio Page

Stats​

Elevator pitch​

Grant is a large, physical presence along the interior with impressive athletic ability relative to his size who possesses the explosiveness, power and anchor strength to overwhelm blockers and reset the line of scrimmage but needs to continue to improve his pad level.

Strengths​

Big body with very good size…Good anchor strength and power to create a new line of scrimmage…Rarely gets pushed well off his base…Does a great job of reading and feeling blocking schemes and angles and quickly adjusting his body to the flow…Solid get-off and can explode between gaps and through solo blockers…Flashes the ability to club/swim past blockers…Impressive movement skills to work down the lineand pursuit ability…Gets his hands up when he can’t get home to knock down passes.

Weaknesses​

Flashes a powerful bull rush one-on-one, but he lacks refined rush repertoire and plays with high pad level…Strong initial punch, but hand placement can be erratic, leaving chest open…Can struggle to disengage blocks at times.

Awards​

CFP National Champion (2023)

Third-team All-American (2024)

Second-team All-Big Ten (2023, 2024)

Red Flags​

N/A

Fit Likelihood​

High

Grade​

1st

Highlights​

Kenneth Grant is a MENACE at the center of a defense.

He constantly draws double teams but has still managed 8 sacks, 50 pressures, and 39 run stops in the last two seasons.

He’s all of 6’3, 342lbs and is an INCREDIBLE athlete at that size. Could end up a top 10 pick. pic.twitter.com/ugjrmahM6Z

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 31, 2025

The quality of run defense that you are getting out of Kenneth Grant is very high pic.twitter.com/xXh75PxX2i

— Jackson Powers (@jpownfl) February 9, 2025

#Michigan iDL Kenneth Grant vs. Ohio St.

If you’re betting on his potential, this is the tape you turn on. Disruptive strength at the POA. pic.twitter.com/LCk4pCEKcq

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 2, 2024

Not many 340-pounders can run like this. Kenneth Grant (78) can move. pic.twitter.com/kO9NqGOAQJ

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 11, 2023

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2...gers-nfl-draft-kenneth-grant-scouting-report/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Could the Chargers make sense as a landing spot for RB Najee Harris?

The Chargers opted to go the cheap route at the running back position last offseason. It came back to bite them at times throughout the 2024 campaign, most notably when J.K. Dobbins went down with an injury.

They lacked both the top-end talent as well as the overall depth at the position. With Dobbins set to hit free agency, running back will be a top need for Los Angeles this offseason.

Insert Steelers tailback Najee Harris into the equation. After four seasons in Pittsburgh, he is set to become a free agent this offseason. The Steelers declined the former __ overall pick’s fifth-year option last offseason.

There’s a possibility that he returns to the Steel City, but he will at least test the open market. Somewhat under the radar, Harris has racked up 1,000+ rushing yards in each of his four career seasons. In total, he has 4,312 career rushing yards with 28 touchdowns and a mediocre 3.9 yards per carry.

That last part is concerning, as he has never topped 4.1 yards per run in a season. In fact, the longest run of his career is just 37 yards. Harris lacks the high-end speed that is a vital component of breaking off large runs.

He would run behind a better offensive line in Los Angeles, but that lack of a big-play threat is risky. On the flip side, there are still things to like about the Alabama product.

Harris has played in and started all 68 career regular season games. That’s right, he hasn’t missed a single game in his career. He would provide a bit of an upgrade in the passing game as well, as he has 180 career catches for 1,149 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Harris wouldn’t command the money that other top-notch running backs land, as he’s projected to get somewhere in between $7-$9 million per year. At this point in his career, he has a safe floor but his ceiling isn’t overly high.

If the Chargers got him for a decent deal, Harris wouldn’t be a bad addition to the team. They would have to get a complementary, quicker back though, such as how the Steelers did with Jaylen Warren. One thing is clear: Jim Harbaugh would love Harris’ physical running style.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/11/chargers-steelers-free-agent-najee-harris/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers predicted to sign former All-Pro wide receiver

The Chargers need to surround quarterback Justin Herbert with more playmakers, so they will likely be aggressive in the free agency market to get a wide receiver.

Among the crop of soon-to-be free agent wideouts is Chiefs’ DeAndre Hopkins, who 33rd Team’s Ian Valentino is predicting will head to Los Angeles.

Contenders should still kick the tires on Hopkins despite this year being a struggle. At this point in his career, Hopkins might need more of a YOLO-passer than Mahomes is and someone who wants to throw outside of the numbers more. Los Angeles with Justin Herbert looks like that fit.

The 32-year-old Hopkins had a decent 2024 season, finishing with 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns between his time with the Titans and Kansas City.

While he might not be playing at an All-Pro level anymore, Hopkins would still provide the offense with a proven veteran on the outside. Additionally, he would be a solid fall-back option if the Chargers can’t land one of the top free-agent wide receivers, like Tee Higgins or Chris Godwin.

Even if they were to add Hopkins or someone else in that second to third tier of wideouts, Los Angeles should still look to draft to shore up the positional room, which currently consists of Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/12/chargers-chiefs-free-agency-prediction-deandre-hopkins/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers tabbed as potential landing spot for edge defender from divisional rival

The Chargers could be in a position where they will have to shore up the edge defender room this offseason.

Khalil Mack is a pending free agent. Joey Bosa has struggled to stay consistently healthy, and with his enormous cap hit, he could be a cut candidate.

Should the Bolts revamp the positional group in free agency, Pro Football Focus believes they could be a potential landing spot for Raiders’ Malcolm Koonce.

The 26-year-old Koonce could create a solid tandem with Tuli Tuipulotu — the team’s second-round pick in 2024 — and would save the team significant cap space to attack other glaring needs.

Koonce missed the entire 2024 season due to a knee injury that he suffered days before Las Vegas’ season opener.

Koonce has been coming off a career-best eight sacks and three forced fumbles in 2023. He also had 52 quarterback pressures.

PFF projects Koonce’s contract for two years worth $18.75 million per year with $20 million guaranteed.

Set to be 27 years old next season, Koonce would be a great complement to Tuli Tuipulotu and supply Jesse Minter’s defense with a prolific pass rusher.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/13/chargers-raiders-malcolm-koonce-free-agency/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Katson's Guys: 2025 NFL draft 'crushes' the Chargers might love

Happy Valentine’s Day, Chargers fans! As is tradition on Chargers Wire, it’s time for our staff to reveal their draft crushes for the year in celebration of the holiday.

Last year, I had two future Chargers on my list: linebacker Junior Colson and running back Kimani Vidal. Here’s six prospects I’d be ecstatic to see join them in a few months.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/lists/chargers-nfl-draft-prospects-ricky-white-gunnar-helm/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Gavino's Guys: 2025 NFL draft 'crushes' the Chargers might love

Valentine’s Day is here, and love is in the air.

Some of you are celebrating the day with your significant other, but some are without a Valentine, like me. So today, I’d like to reveal who I have a crush on.

I’m talking about some NFL draft prospects whose tape I enjoyed watching, and that would make sense for the Chargers when they’re on the clock in April.

With that, let’s see who’s drawn my attention.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/l...pects-josaiah-stewart-pat-bryant-tahj-brooks/