RSS Chargers Team Notes

[Los Angeles Chargers]

NFL 2026 offseason dates to know

Jul 21, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; The Los Angeles Chargers helmet with Guardian helmet cap of running back Alohi Gilman (32) at training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

This year’s Super Bowl is almost here and once the big game has come and gone, the 2026 NFL offseason will officially be underway for all 32 teams.

There’s going to be a lot of dead time in the coming months, but thankfully there are events such as free agency and the NFL Draft to help us get by.

For everyone who needs a refresher about what to expect from now until the start of May, here are the key offseason dates all fans should be aware of.

February 17th – March 3rd​

From February 17th through 4:00 p.m. ET on March 3rd, clubs are able to designate Franchise or Transition Players

February 23-March 2​

The NFL Scouting Combine takes place in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.

March 9-11​

The three days prior to the start of free agency and the new league year is called the “Legal Tampering” window.

From 12:00 p.m. ET on March 9th to the 4:00 p.m. ET deadline on March 11th, teams are able to contact, and enter into contract negotiations, with agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents when their current contracts expire at the start of the new league year.

March 11​

The 2026 NFL League Year begins alongside the free agency signing period at at 4:00 p.m. ET.

The trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after the expiration of all 2025 contracts.

March 29-April 1​

Annual League Meeting takes place in Phoenix, Arizona.

April 17​

Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.

April 23-25​

The 2026 NFL Draft takes place in Pittsburgh, PA.

May 1st​

Deadline for clubs to exercise fifth-year option for players selected in the first round of the 2023 Draft.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/los-angeles-chargers-news/62952/nfl-2026-offseason-dates-to-know

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Wednesday Open Thread

Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) celebrates an interception during the first quarter against the New England Patriots in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Takeaways from Chris O’Leary’s introductory press conference (Chargers.com)

Chris O’Leary is “fired up” for the opportunity to call the Chargers defense (Chargers.com)

Key dates for Chargers fans to know this offseason (Chargers.com)

The Saints just made the Chargers look even worse in regards to their 2025 “home game” in Brazil (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Members of the NFLPA have “no appetite” for the regular season extending to 18 games (ESPN)

The Giants are hiring Jim Nagy as their new offensive coordinator (ESPN)

Tom Brady is not rooting for the Patriots to beat the Seahawks in this year’s Super Bowl (CBS Sports)

George Pickens said his price tag has “gone up” before negotiation with the Cowboys begins (NFL.com)

Bijan Robinson is excited to play in Kevin Stefanski’s offense (Pro Football Talk)

Ranking the 60 greatest moments in Super Bowl history (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...29/chargers-daily-links-wednesday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Friday Open Thread

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Quentin Johnston #1 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the national anthem prior to an NFL wild card playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Why the Chargers chose Chris O’Leary as their new defensive coordinator (Chargers.com)

Top internet reactions to the Chargers hiring Chris O’Leary as their DC (Chargers.com)

PFF believes the Chargers will land this top free agent guard (Chargers Wire)

The Chargers need to avoid this pending Dolphins free agent despite ties to Mike McDaniel (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Check out Eric Edholm’s first mock draft of the year (NFL.com)

The Falcons are hiring Ian Cunningham as their next general manager (ESPN)

The Eagles are hiring former Packers QB Sean Mannion as their next offensive coordinator (ESPN)

Who are the top available free agents at each position this offseason? (CBS Sports)

The Bills are hiring Pete Carmichael Jr. as their new offensive coordinator (Pro Football Talk)

Breaking down the cost of a Super Bowl suite in 2026 (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...62832/chargers-daily-links-friday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Bolts Survey: Predict the Super Bowl LX winner

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: A detailed view of the Super Bowl LX logo during Opening Night at San Jose McEnery Convention Center on February 02, 2026 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Chargers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

With the Super Bowl just days away, it’s time to get everyone on the record. Who will win Super Bowl LX? Let us know if it will be the Seattle Seahawks or New England Patriots. We will have results later this week and can compare how Chargers fans feel about the game compared to the rest of the league. Cast your vote now before the survey closes!

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/los-angeles-chargers-discussion/62969/packers-predict-super-bowl-lx

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Friday Open Thread

Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass to wide receiver Tre' Harris (9) during the first half against the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Former Chargers quarterback Drew Brees made the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 (Chargers.com)

Two former Chargers players will go against each other in this year’s Super Bowl (Chargers Wire)

Justin Herbert earned one first-place MVP vote, taking the chance at the honor from Drake Maye (Bolt Beat)

Khalil Mack’s projected 2026 salary is surprisingly low (Charger Report)

NFL News:​

Matthew Stafford won the 2026 MVP and committed to returning to Rams next season (ESPN)

Myles Garrett took home the 2026 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award after notching 23 sacks (ESPN)

Five bold predictions for this year’s Super Bowl (CBS Sports)

The Pro Football Class of 2026 was revealed at NFL Honors (NFL.com)

Frank Gore is happy that Roger Craig made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Pro Football Talk)

Key factors that will decide this year’s Super Bowl between the Seahawks and Patriots (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...62931/chargers-daily-links-friday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Teair Tart’s contract numbers confirmed

Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Teair Tart (90) celebrates during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Sep 28, 2025, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. | Yannick Peterhans / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Back on January 26th, the Chargers announced they had signed defensive tackle Teair Tart to a new three-year contract extension that will tie the impact defender to the Chargers through the 2028 season.

After a little over a week, Tart’s contract details have now been made available via OverTheCap.com.

This next season, Tart will only have a cap his of $6.02 million. This is a nice number for the Chargers as it allows that much more money to be utilized this upcoming offseason/regular season seeing as the team will settle around the fourth-most cap space in the league behind the Raiders, Titans, and Jets.

Chargers DT Teair Tart's contract now on OTC: yearly cap hits-
2026: $6.02M
2027: $11.98M
2028: $12.00M

3 years, $30M base value, up to $37.5M w/ incentives. $15M fully guaranteed at signing, $20M GTD. pic.twitter.com/MT99paUg82

— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) February 5, 2026

That cap hit bumps up to $11.98 million in 2027 and then an even $12 million for the 2028 campaign. As good as Tart has been since joining the Chargers in 2024, he’s truly worth every penny from this contract. On top of that, this will look even better if 2025 third-round pick Jamaree Caldwell continues to develop into another impact defender in the middle while still on his rookie deal.

Since joining the Chargers, Tart has started 17-of-34 regular season games with all of his starts coming in 2025. He has totaled 61 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one sack, six pass deflections, one interception, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. In two playoff games, he has seven tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass deflection.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo.../62964/teair-tarts-contract-numbers-confirmed

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Thursday Open Thread

Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

The Chargers aced their hires for both offensive and defensive coordinator (Chargers.com)

Everything you need to know about the 2026 offseason for the Chargers (Chargers.com)

Chris O’Leary explains why he took the DC job for the Chargers (Chargers Wire)

The Chargers’ new defensive coordinator said what all Chargers fans wanted to hear about Odafe Oweh (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Drake Maye was a full participant in the Patriots’ first practice of Super Bowl week (ESPN)

The Jets hired Frank Reich as their new offensive coordinator (ESPN)

Predicting the winners of this year’ NFL Honors (CBS Sports)

Which of these players will hear their name called to join the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026? (NFL.com)

Vic Fangio is returning as the Eagles’ DC in 2026 (Pro Football Talk)

Tom Brady’s old teammates called him out for not picking the Patriots to win this year’s Super Bowl (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...930/chargers-daily-links-thursday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers 2026 Mock Draft Roundup 1.0: Trenches, trenches, trenches

Penn State offensive lineman Vega Ioane (71) celebrates with running back Quinton Martin after the freshman scored a touchdown during the Blue-White game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 13, 2024, in State College. The White team defeated the Blue team, 27-0.

Super Bowl LX has officially come and gone which means it’s time to full pivot our attention to free agency and the NFL Draft. On this bright and shiny Monday, let’s take a look at the initial names being mocked to the Chargers across the media landscape at this early point in the draft season.

CBS Sports (Ryan Wilson): OG Vega Ioane, Penn State​

excelling as an earth mover in the run game and showing the athleticism to be effective in both gap and zone schemes. In pass protection, he plays with a strong base, using a well-timed, powerful punch to neutralize the bull rush.

Pro Football Focus (Trevor Sikkema): OG Veg Ioane, Penn State​

The Chargers’ offensive line was an Achilles’ heel this past season. They’ll get Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater back from injury at the tackle spots, but their interior pass blocking must improve. Ioane was one of the best pass-blocking guards in college football in 2025, notching an 87.0 PFF pass-blocking grade.

ESPN (Matt Miller): DT Caleb Banks, Florida/OG Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon​

The run on edge rushers before this pick leaves the Chargers with some interesting decisions. Do they add to an offensive line that was marred by injury in 2025 or try to fix a D-line that still needs a true anchor to help defend the run? With the talent that’s left on the board, Banks would be very enticing as the nose tackle Los Angeles is missing. The 6-foot-6 339-pounder is an aggressive bull rusher with rare first-step quickness for his size. Think Vita Vea, but with better length. Banks missed all but two games last season due to a foot injury, but his Senior Bowl performance was well-received by scouts, who saw the explosive play in the trenches that excited them entering the 2025 season.

Injuries decimated the Chargers’ offensive line in 2025, highlighting the lack of overall depth and long-term answers on the interior. Pregnon would be a plug-and-play starter at either guard spot.

Fantasy Life (Matthew Freedman): OG Vega Ioane, Penn State​

USA Today (Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz): DT Caleb Banks, Florida​

“After he missed all but two games last season due to a foot injury, Banks parlayed a strong Senior Bowl showing into significant buzz in the pre-draft process. With nose tackle Teair Tart recently re-signed, the Chargers can continue to focus on setting the tone at the line of scrimmage by bringing on the 6-foot-6, 335-pounder, who might be the most disruptive interior force in the class when he’s putting it all together.”

The Draft Network (Jaime Eisner): DT Caleb Banks, Florida​

“The Chargers need to get more stout up front, and a Senior Bowl standout would be a great fit here. Caleb Banks can anchor against the run while still holding his own on passing downs. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he moves surprisingly well for his size, as he showed in Mobile.”

NFL.com (Cynthia Frelund): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State​

“The Chargers have some tough decisions to make in free agency … like what to do with offensive lineman Zion Johnson and edge rusher Khalil Mack. If neither return, those would be two clear areas of need for the Bolts. That said, if Tyson were available at this pick, I think they’d scribble down his name at lightning speed. If not for some past injuries, his stock would be higher. His ball-tracking and body-control metrics rate very highly despite the injury history, and even though his speed is not in the top echelon, his contested-catch ability and short-area quickness help make up for it. Remember, the Chargers will presumably get both of their starting tackles back healthy by the start of next season.”

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-draft-roundup-1-0-trenches-trenches-trenches

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers free agents 2026: Keenan Allen, Khalil Mack headline list

Nov 30, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) practices before the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Chargers had one of the highest totals of available cap space this time last year and still chose to play it somewhat reserved by avoiding any massive free agent contracts. Middle-cost, high-reward signings like running back Najee Harris and Mekhi Becton backfired fiercely, while some of their cheapest signings would up playing larger than expected roles (Da’Shawn Hand, LB Del’Shawn Phillips).

Now in a similar boat, it will be interesting to see if general manager Joe Hortiz will be more willing to put his money where his mouth is. The Patriots spent and spent and spent last year and they are coming off an appearance in the Super Bowl one season after having a top-five pick and missing the playoffs.

There is certainly a chance for the Chargers to make waves in 2026, but they’ll have to be smart, savvy, and willing to take a risk this March.

But for now, let’s get acquainted with the team’s in-house free agents who are set to hit the market when the new league year begins.

Unrestricted Free Agents​

WR Keenan Allen

TE Tyler Conklin

DT Da’Shawn Hand

RB Najee Harris

LS Josh Harris

OT Bobby Hart

RB Hassan Haskins

C Andre James

S Tony Jefferson

OG Zion Johnson

QB Trey Lance

CB Deane Leonard

EDGE Khalil Mack

DT Otito Ogbonnia

EDGE Odafe Oweh

OT/G Trevor Penning

LB Denzel Perryman

LB Del’Shawn Phillips

OT Trey Pipkins

OT/G Jamaree Salyer

CB Benjamin St-Juste

Restricted Free Agents​

OT Austin Deculus

TE/FB Tucker Fisk

Exclusive Rights Free Agents​

RB Jaret Patterson

RB Kimani Vidal

S Kendall Williamson

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...s-2026-keenan-allen-khalil-mack-headline-list

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers to hire former Dolphins run game specialist Chandler Henley

Aug 1, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, US; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel (center) talks to assistant quarterback coach Chandler Henley (left) during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Chargers are reportedly adding yet another former Dolphins coach as former Miami run game specialist Chandler Henley is expected to join Los Angeles’ coaching staff, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.

Henley has spent the past four seasons under Mike McDaniel and he’s got a rather impressive resume in regards to elite running back seasons.

From 2018-2020, Henley was a part of a Titan coaching staff that helped current Ravens star running back Derrick Henry record a 2,027-yard season. In 2021, his lone year with the Falcons, Henley helped wide receiver-turned-running back Cordarrelle Patterson reach 1,166 yards total yards of offense and 11 total touchdowns. Then with the Dolphins, Henley helped third-year back De’Von Achane reach 1,838 yards of offense and 12 total touchdowns in 2025.

Difficult to distribute "credit" among assistants, but this potential hiring really excites me.

Notable RB seasons with Henley: Derrick Henry (2,027 yards), Cordarrelle Patterson (1,166 yards), and De'Von Achane (1838 yards).

Three completely different RBs –> Successful!!! https://t.co/f1LvvEWUz6

— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) February 10, 2026

I truly believe this is a great hire by the Chargers and keeping McDaniel’s offensive staff as familiar as possible in hopes of churning out similar, productive results is the right process. With a back like Omarion Hampton, it’s hard not to get excited about the 2026 season that could be in front of him.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-dolphins-run-game-specialist-chandler-henley

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers to hire Rutgers OLB coach as new Asst. DL coach

Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive ends coach Julian Campenni with defensive lineman Jordan Thompson (14) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Chargers have been steadily hiring new offensive coaches over the past two weeks and on Tuesday it was reported that they’re adding a new name on the defensive staff.

Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Bolts are hiring Rutgers outside linebackers coach Julian Campenni as their new assistant defensive line coach. He has spent the past two seasons with the Scarlet Knights and the prior five seasons at Bowling Green.

Sources: The Chargers are hiring Rutgers OLB coach Julian Campenni as an assistant defensive line coach. He’s spent the last two years at Rutgers, and spent the prior five seasons at Bowling Green. He’s a former UConn player and GA at Boston College. pic.twitter.com/PAzMY2lubc

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 10, 2026

Campenni is a former defensive lineman at UConn who played in 47 career games with 38 starts. He was named a team captain and was a Second-Team All-CUSA pick in 2015. After his playing career, Campenni began coaching at the high school level in Pennsylvania before going to be a graduate assistant at Boston College.

Rutgers’ top pass rusher in 2025 was Eric O’Neill, a former James Madison standout in 2024 who spent his final season with the Scarlet Knights. O’Neill posted team highs of 9.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...o-hire-rutgers-olb-coach-as-new-asst-dl-coach

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers land disgruntled 49ers WR in bold 2026 offseason prediction

Oct 20, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) walks on the field before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Chargers are not in dire need of more wide receivers for Justin Herbert, but the chance to add a bonafide playmaker might be too much to pass up for new offensive Mike McDaniel and his vision for the 2026 offense.

In a new piece from CBS Sports’ Jordan Dajani, the analyst wrote up 10 bold predictions for the 2026 offseason and he has boldly predicted that the Chargers will end up adding 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk has not played since tearing his ACL in October of 2024 and made headlines in 2025 after supposedly “ghosting” the 49ers during his recovery process.

“The Los Angeles Chargers are undergoing a change in offensive philosophy in swapping Greg Roman for Mike McDaniel at coordinator,“ says Dajani. ‘‘It’s clear that the Chargers need to upgrade the depth on the offensive line, but they could be in the market for a new weapon, too.”

“Following his release from the San Francisco 49ers, Aiyuk will sign with the Chargers to help Justin Herbert reach that next level. Aiyuk turns 28 in March, and missed all of last season as he recovered from the torn ACL suffered in October 2024. It’s worrisome that the 49ers had to void the remaining guarantees on the four-year, $120 million extension Aiyuk signed in 2024 after he ghosted the franchise, but now, he’s motivated to resurrect his career and show everyone he’s still an elite wideout.”

In 2024 before suffering his season-ending injury, Aiyuk recorded 25 receptions for 374 yards. In 2023, he posted his best professional season with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns en route to helping the 49ers make that year’s Super Bowl.

The Chargers will have Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, and KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the wide receiver room in 2026 with veteran Keenan Allen still an option to return for another season in Los Angeles. Adding Aiyuk would certainly create another logjam at the position and I cannot foresee the team adding a player at the position without moving one of the players already in the group.

But hey, I guess that’s why they’re calling it a bold prediction.

What’s everyone’s thoughts on this scenario? Yay or nay? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ed-49ers-wr-in-bold-2026-offseason-prediction

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

ESPN’s Field Yates reinforces need for trench upgrades in new 2026 mock

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 29: Olaivavega Ioane #71 of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Piscataway, New Jersey. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 40-36. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Chargers seemingly have a clear path to one of the draft’s best prospects who also happens to play one of the most crucial positions the team needs to address this offseason.

Penn State’s Vega Ioane is widely viewed as the consensus top offensive guard in the draft class. He’s a 6’4, 330-pound mauler who was pivotal in the success of the Nittany Lions’ rushing attack the past two seasons. He’s also very stout in pass protection as he’s allowed zero sacks since the start of the 2024 season.

In Field Yates’ newest mock from ESPN

“No fan base needs to be reminded less on the importance of offensive line play and health than the Chargers’ faithful. Los Angeles allowed 60 sacks last season while quarterback Justin Herbert was hit more than any other signal-caller. The return of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater from injury will go a long way, as will the hiring of Mike McDaniel at offensive coordinator, but the interior needs reinforcements.”

“Enter Ioane, a no-nonsense, rugged guard who is perhaps the most physical offensive player in the class. He’s a body-mover as a run blocker and terrific in pass protection, not allowing a single sack over the past two seasons.“

Ioane was a Second-Team All-Big Ten in Big Ten after helping Penn State reach the College Football Playoff. The Nittany Lions regressed mightily in 2025 and that led to the eventual firing of James Franklin as head coach. Despite the overall team falling short of expectations as a whole, Vega still showed just h0w good he was as an individual en route to earning First-Team All-Big Ten and First-Team All-American honors.

While not the greatest athlete at the position, Vega knows exactly how to use his massive body efficiently. He knows how to get ahead of twitchier pass rushers and his first-step quickness off the line eliminates room for error. He’s on his man hastily and once he’s got his powerful mitts on them, it’s usually a wrap for that defender.

This draft season is seemingly going to be one filled with a lot of the same names throughout mock drafts over the next 2.5 months. Ioane is going to end up, most likely, being the most popular name paired with the Chargers. That is, barring an insane draft circuit for Ioane that drives him up draft boards to be a consensus top-15 pick, but that’s usually a rarity for a position like offensive guard (unless your name is Quenton Nelson).

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ces-need-for-trench-upgrades-in-new-2026-mock

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers crack top 10 in new post-Super Bowl power rankings

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers in action during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Chargers overcame adversity for the entire 2025 season after star left tackle Rashawn Slater was lost for the year before the regular season even arrived. They had to overcome even more adversity with the loss of right tackle Joe Alt following his second ankle injury that led to season-ending surgery. Add in missed time by edge rusher Khalil Mack and first-round running back Omarion Hampton and you get the picture. The 2025 season could have easily been a wash for a team missing so many impact players as key positions, but it truly wasn’t in the end.

The Bolts made the playoffs and won 11 games for the second consecutive season. An astounding accomplishment given how rough things looked at times throughout the year. But according to NFL.com’s Eric Edholm, the Chargers are still a team that deserve higher expectations entering next season. In a new set of post-Super Bowl power rankings, Edholm has the Chargers at No. 10, just behind the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“If losing defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is seen as a blow, the addition of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator might be one the best upgrades of the offseason so far. At the very least, the McDaniel-Jim Harbaugh pairing will be interesting, but Justin Herbert figures to be the beneficiary — assuming the Chargers can make the proper offseason roster upgrades. They probably need at least two new offensive linemen capable of starting, and though they have the salary-cap space to make additions, the draft (only five selections for now) might not be as fruitful for them. Los Angeles also has a few defensive holes, even if that unit was mostly very good in 2025. They must assume the Broncos will be back and that the Chiefs aren’t likely to suffer another non-winning season. The sledding will be tough, but the Chargers are still worth keeping an eye on.”

I do agree with Edholm here that the addition McDaniel as offensive coordinator is arguably the best-case scenario to help balance the loss of Minter to the Ravens. The former has also has been very active in giving the offensive staff a facelift with new additions in Chandler Henley (run game specialist), Butch Barry (offensive line), and Adam Gase (pass game specialist).

The hire of Chris O’Leary as defensive coordinator may have been a little out of left field seeing as he just came off his first season calling plays for that side of the ball, but the job he did at Western Michigan in 2025 compared to the prior season speaks for itself. The goal was seemingly to replace Jesse Minter with the best option at running the same scheme, and it looks like that guy ended up being O’Leary. It also helped that the players themselves backed the hire immensely on social media.

The Chargers have long been offseason darlings this century and that hasn’t always boded well for them. However, that’s one of the things that the Jim Harbaugh effects has seemed to fix. They’re not only given higher expectations each offseason, but I’d argue they’ve met and exceeded all of them since 2024 given the circumstances. That’s why I’m completely on board with Edholm believing them to be a top 10 team at this point in the offseason.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-top-10-in-new-post-super-bowl-power-rankings

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Raiders hiring former Chargers HC Mike McCoy as Asst. HC

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 28: Interim head coach Mike McCoy of the Tennessee Titans looks on prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Nissan Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Chargers will see a familiar face on the opposing sideline twice this season when they play the Raiders as Las Vegas is reportedly set to hire former Bolts head coach Mike McCoy as their assistant head coach. McCoy spent four seasons at the head of the Chargers and will now serve as a veteran voice in the ear of first-time head coach Klint Kubiak.

The Raiders are hiring Mike McCoy as assistant head coach, per sources.

McCoy, 53, spent four years as the Chargers’ head coach and finished last season as the Titans’ interim coach. An experienced addition to Klint Kubiak’s staff. pic.twitter.com/2NEccAi4Rc

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 12, 2026

McCoy finished the 2025 season as the interim head coach of the Titans who fired Brian Callahan less than two years after his hire. Before being promoted in the interim, McCoy was a senior offensive assistant. Prior to joining the Titans staff, McCoy coached quarterbacks for the Jaguars from 2022-2024.

The former San Diego Chargers head coach took the team to the postseason in his first year with a 9-7 record. The Bolts finished 9-7 the next season, missing the playoffs, before finishing with records of 4-12 and 5-11 in his final two seasons.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ring-former-chargers-hc-mike-mccoy-as-asst-hc

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers draft class earns positive grade from analyst

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Omarion Hampton #8 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up prior to an NFL wild card playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off of a second consecutive playoff appearance, and part of that is a result of the team’s positive rookie class from the 2025 draft.

The Chargers selected North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, Ole Miss wide receiver Tre Harris, Oregon defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell, South Carolina outside linebacker Kyle Kennard, Auburn wide receiver Ke’Andre Lambert-Smith, Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II, Pittsburgh offensive lineman Branson Taylor, Clemson defensive back R.J. Mickens and Florida cornerback Trikweze Bridges, who is the only one not currently on the roster.

NFL.com analyst Gennaro Filice conducted a report card grading all 32 rookie classes. He gave the Chargers a B for their first-year pros, which ranked No. 12 in the league.

“An ankle injury disrupted Omarion Hampton’s rookie campaign, but durability was never a concern during his wildly productive tenure at North Carolina, so I’m not going to start worrying about that now. A beastly back at 220 pounds, Hampton runs with the kind of aggression that makes defenders ponder business decisions. Among all NFL RBs who finished the regular season with at least 100 carries, Hampton posted the fourth-highest missed tackle rate (29.8%, per NGS),” Filice wrote.

“This is a bell cow who was born for Jim Harbaugh’s pasture — a violent runner who can take some of the immense offensive burden off Justin Herbert’s shoulders. The Chargers also unearthed a mismatch weapon for the franchise quarterback midway through Day 3 of the draft, as Oronde Gadsden II flashed the ability to take over games as a fifth-round rookie. With Jamaree Caldwell and R.J. Mickens immediately contributing to Los Angeles’ defense, Joe Hortiz compiled his second deep draft haul in as many seasons as Bolts GM.”

The only teams that ranked higher than the Chargers in this report card were the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears.

Teams that draft well tend to stay at the top of the hierarchy in the NFL, so the Chargers need to continue this streak of strong draft classes. The more picks Hortiz and the front office hit on, the more likely they are to maintain a competitive roster for Super Bowl contention.

When the Chargers and the rest of the NFL go to the Combine later this month, they will get a better idea of who is in the rookie class and which players could make sense for building towards the future.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...draft-class-earns-positive-grade-from-analyst

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

NFL owners win grievance against NFLPA, team report cards

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 8: A general view of the NFL logo painted on the field prior to the NFL Super Bowl LX football game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Well, one of the most fun and transparent things to ever come from the NFL has been killed in court.

On Friday, the NFL sent out a memo to all 32 NFL teams announcing that the grievance against the NFLPA and its “team report cards” was successful. Per the memo, an arbitrator determined that the report cards violate the CBA and ordered the NFLPA to cease the creation of any future report cards.

Sources: The NFL informed all 32 teams today in a memo that it prevailed in its grievance vs. the NFLPA and its “team report cards.” An arbitrator determined that the NFLPA’s conduct violated the CBA and ordered it to stop making public any future report cards. pic.twitter.com/mss5WUQjhF

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 13, 2026

The movement was spearheaded by Jets owner Woody Johnson, who was one of the worst-graded owners during the report cards’ run. In the final report cards produced last offseason, Johnson was given a “F” grade, making him the only owner amongst the 32 teams to receive that bottom-of-the-barrel mark.

This is honestly terrible news for everyone involved in the NFL aside from the owners who were not graded well by their own players. The transparency was an amazing feature of the report cards and it actually helped spur change amongst teams who have an ownership group that actually want to do better for their players. Numerous teams saw improvements from the first year of the report cards to the second, and they were also massive for helping lure free agents who wanted as much information as possible before choosing a destination.

Now, because of the worst owner in the NFL, they’re gone.

Sorry Jets fans, but you’re stuck with that one.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...win-grievance-against-nflpa-team-report-cards

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Friday Open Thread

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the national anthem prior to an NFL wild card playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

The hire of Chris O’Leary as defensive coordinator has caught the attention of the NFL (Chargers.com)

Chargers cornerback Cam Hart recently heaped a ton of praise for new Ravens HC Jesse Minter (Chargers Wire)

Commanders WR Deebo Samuel has been predicted to land with the Chargers in free agency (Charger Report)

Were the Chargers disrespected in ESPN’s latest set of post-Super Bowl power rankings? (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Answering one big question for ever NFL team this offseason (ESPN)

Joey Porter recently went off on former teammate Big Ben on a recent podcast appearance with Cam Heyward (ESPN)

Predicting the next player to take a “Sam Darnold” turn in their career (CBS Sports)

Check out this new first-round mock draft from Dan Parr (NFL.com)

Kendrick Bourne hopes to remain with the 49ers next season (Pro Football Talk)

Realistic goals for all 10 new head coaches in the NFL (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...62986/chargers-daily-links-friday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers predicted to win Super Bowl LXI

The Los Angeles Chargers will have the Super Bowl in their backyard a year from now, but there is a chance that the team could be participating in the big game as opposed to watching it on TV.

ESPN analyst Seth Walder believes the Chargers could win Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium against the Green Bay Packers.

“Chargers over Packers. Am I falling for the Chargers in the offseason, just like we all do every year? Sure. But this time will be different! The 2025 Chargers’ biggest weakness — the offensive line — already has a built-in solution with their two excellent tackles (Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater) returning to health. Add McDaniel as offensive coordinator and I find myself truly believing,“ Walder wrote.

The Chargers have a lot of the tools that are needed in order to be a strong team in the NFL. They have one of the league’s best defenses, along with two strong offensive tackles and potential stars at wide receiver and running back. Unfortunately for the team, they could not stay healthy in the trenches, and their defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter, left to become the Baltimore Ravens head coach.

If the Chargers are able to find the right replacement for mentor and the team can stay healthy, a Super Bowl berth next year is not totally out of the question.

BFTB community, what do you think of the Chargers’ chances of going all the way to the Super Bowl next season? Chime off in the comments section below.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...3046/chargers-predicted-to-win-super-bowl-lxi

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Thursday Open Thread

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 11: Khalil Mack #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs around the edge during an NFL wild card playoff game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Check out the Chargers free agent tracker as they prepare for the new league year (Chargers.com)

Where do the Chargers currently sit in way-too-early 2026 NFL Power Rankings? (Chargers.com)

What does Zion Johnson’s new contract projection look like? (Chargers Wire)

Would the Chargers really take a chance on this disgruntled 49ers wideout? (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Maxx Crosby refuses to throw “gasoline” on the trade rumors surrounding him (NFL.com)

Ranking every starting quarterback from the 2025 NFL season (NFL.com)

Which free agents are most likely to receive the franchise tag from their current team? (CBS Sports)

Past NFL MVPs weighed in on why they think Lamar Jackson regressed in 2025 (ESPN)

Falcons OC Tommy Rees believes there’s benefits to having the QB under center, noting a potential change in how Michael Penix will play in 2026 (Pro Football Talk)

A reason to hope and mope for all 32 teams in 2026 (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...985/chargers-daily-links-thursday-open-thread