Chargers Team Notes

[Los Angeles Chargers]

3 players who could have bigger roles with Chargers in 2025

The Chargers got a lot out of their rookies in 2024, but even a few more can step up in a big way next season. With several in-house free agents set to leave, Los Angeles will need some guys to step up next season as well.

Here are three players that could see their roles increase next season:

RB Kimani Vidal​

Running back will be a position of need for the Chargers this offseason. J.K. Dobbins is a free agent and will test the market. In the meantime, the front office will likely look for a potential upgrade. Putting Vidal here isn’t to say he has a chance to become a starter in 2025 because he does not.

He does have a legitimate shot to compete for the No. 2 role, though, which would mean a lot more playing time for him. Gus Edwards held that role in 2024 and he was pretty disappointing. The veteran seems to be a likely cap casualty, leaving the door open for that backup role.

In his rookie season, Vidal only saw a total of 48 touches. Back in October, he flashed some of his receiving talents with a 38-yard touchdown against the Broncos. It makes sense that he will see more playing time in his second season.

LB Junior Colson​

Daiyan Henley is locked in as one of the two starters at the linebacker position. As for the other starter, Denzel Perryman is a free agent and his future is unclear after an up-and-down 2024 campaign. The Chargers will pursue an inside linebacker in the draft or free agency.

That said, like Vidal, Colson makes sense for more playing time in his second NFL season. He appeared in just 11 games in 2024, including one start, and played 32% of the team’s defensive snaps.

Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter believe in their Michigan prodigy as the team invested in a third-round pick in him last year. In a perfect world, he could even compete for the starting role next to Henley.

TE Stone Smartt*​

The asterisk next to Smartt’s name is IF he returns to Los Angeles in 2025, given that he is a restricted free agent. One can assume that Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst will be gone, and Smartt provides the most upside out of them.

In his third NFL season, Smartt had 16 catches for 208 yards. Many thought that he deserved more of a chance with the inconsistencies of Dissly and Hurst. Smartt caught 84.2% of his targets, albeit in a limited sample size, and could become a legitimate No. 2 TE for Justin Herbert.

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Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/13/chargers-kimani-vidal-junior-colson-bigger-roles/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers 2025 NFL draft target: Michigan TE Colston Loveland

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 tight end Colston Loveland.

Vitals​

Height: 6-5

Weight: 245

College Bio Page

Stats​

Elevator pitch​

Loveland has the natural athleticism and overall receiving ability to be a weapon in the passing game, with his best football still ahead of him as he was hampered by below-average quarterback play this past season.

Strengths​

Has the speed, burst and fluidity to make it tough for linebackers to stick with him…Savvy route runner and movement skills to set up routes and create separation at the top of his breaks…Great ball skills, excelling at adjusting to the ball while it is in the air and putting himself in position to make the catch…Acceleration after the catch to pick up extra yardage…Willing run blocker and does so with intensity and high effort…Versatility to line up anywhere on the field.

Weaknesses​

Has good catching skills but had some concentration drops at times… Shows sufficient effort as a blocker but can block high at times…Still adding mass to his frame.

Awards​

Second-team All-American (2024)

First-team All-Big Ten (2023)

Second-team All-Big Ten (2024)

Red Flags​

N/A

Fit Likelihood​

High

Grade​

1st

Highlights​

Time to start pushing some propaganda, Colston Loveland is a prototype of the ideal NFL Tight End pic.twitter.com/F91MoRlpx3

— Josh

(@UMFanJosh) January 15, 2025

6’5, 250lbs TE’s are not usually able to create man separation like this…

Colston Loveland can. pic.twitter.com/tjzPgxRs9h

— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 5, 2025

At 6’5, Colston Loveland (TE #Michigan) plays with an impressive twitchiness to his game.

I love his catch-to-attack mentality here. Smooth and efficient runner.

A lot of potential here… pic.twitter.com/dSOSJzEsiP

— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) December 19, 2024

Colston Loveland winning on the slant before dragging tacklers an extra couple of yards. pic.twitter.com/emdhqZDG0l

— Frankie Abbott (@FrankiesFilm) January 21, 2025

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Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2...s-colston-loveland-nfl-draft-scouting-report/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Former Chargers head coach emerges as leading candidate to become Saints defensive coordinator

The band might be getting back together.

The Saints hired Kellen Moore as their new head coach, and he could be bringing on one of his former staff members in a prominent role.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley is a “leading candidate” to become New Orleans’ defensive coordinator on Moore’s staff.

Staley hired Moore as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator in 2023. His unit ranked 18th in total offense, 13th in passing, 25th in rushing and 21st in scoring.

Staley was hired as Los Angeles’ head coach back in 2021 after overseeing the league’s best defense when he was the Rams’ defensive coordinator in 2020.

Staley posted a 24-24 record in the three seasons, including a 0-1 record in the only season he made the playoffs in 2022.

This past season, Staley served as an assistant coach with the 49ers.

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Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/11/chargers-saints-kellen-moore-brandon-staley/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

PFF: Chargers select running back in latest mock draft

The Chargers could have a pressing need at running back if J.K. Dobbins, who is a pending free agent, is not back next season.

Should this come to fruition, Los Angeles could resort to the draft early to get his replacement.

That’s what Pro Football Focus’ Jordan Plocher sees them doing.

In Plocher’s latest mock draft, the Bolts select North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton with the No. 22 overall pick.

J.K. Dobbins performed admirably in 2024, but he’s never played a full season in his five-year NFL career. Hampton would give head coach Jim Harbaugh a powerful runner to build his offense around. The North Carolina product breaks tackles regularly and averaged 4.35 yards after contact per attempt in 2024.

Hampton is a prototypical Harbaugh running back with the hard-running style between the tackles. He has the skillset and physical traits to be the team’s workhorse back from the jump.

Hampton finished second in the country in rushing behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty with 1,660 yards and 15 touchdown runs this past season.

Jeanty will likely be off the board when the Chargers are on the clock, but Hampton would be a solid consolation prize if they were to go running back in Round 1.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/17/chargers-mock-draft-omarion-hampton/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Khalil Mack set to have ‘robust open market’ in NFL free agency

The Chargers will have to compete with a handful of bidders if they want to re-sign edge Khalil Mack for 2025, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Fowler revealed on SportsCenter that Los Angeles would like to bring him back, but Mack is “going to have a robust market” this free agency.

Last month, Mack said he would take time to figure out his future. Despite considering retirement, he made it clear he will play in 2025.

Mack is coming off another great season. He finished first in quarterback pressures (54) and second in sacks (6). Mack also had the second-highest PFF run defense grade among edge rushers (88.0).

Pro Football Focus projects Mack’s contract to be for two years worth $22.5 million per year with $40 million guaranteed.

The Chargers are in excellent shape to bring back Mack as they are projected to have $63.5 million available in cap space, the fifth-highest in the league.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/17/chargers-khalil-mack-rumors-free-agency/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers named best fit for two of ESPN's top-50 free agents

Projected to have over $60 million in salary cap space, the sixth-most in the league, the Chargers will have plenty to spend on external free agents this offseason to revamp the roster.

ESPN’s Matt Bowen listed the best fit for each of his top 50 free agents in this year’s class and the Bolts were picked for two players. Bowen sees defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and center Ryan Kelly as targets.

With Poona Ford and Teair Tartt both pending free agents, the defensive tackle room must be shored up. Ford and Tartt should be highly prioritized to be re-signed. But the middle of the defensive line would benefit from pass-rush juice, which Odighizuwa would bring to the table.

An impact defender who can bring energy to the defensive line, Odighizuwa fits in the Chargers’ base 3-4 under front and could provide pass-rush upside in nickel/dime sets. Odighizuwa had 4.5 sacks last season, and his 30 pressures were tied with the Jets’ Quinnen Williams for the second most among defensive tackles.

Bradley Bozeman is set to hit the free agency market, leaving a hole at center. Kelly is one of the best centers in pass protection, something Bozeman struggled with this past season.

Jim Harbaugh’s club needs more out of its centers, and Kelly plays with a physical demeanor that could fit the Chargers’ run game. An on-the-field leader with excellent football awareness, Kelly had a pass block win rate of 95.9% (sixth best among centers) and didn’t allow a sack last season. So he can help secure the pocket for quarterback Justin Herbert, too.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/18/chargers-nfl-free-agency-best-fits/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers 2025 offseason position preview: Quarterback

Justin Herbert remains the head of this group for over the next 10 years (hopefully). An early season injury forced Taylor Heinicke into limited action, but Herbert was able to play through injury for the most part.

It was a successful campaign for the team that resulted in a trip back to the postseason. Herbert continued to prove himself as one of the best quarterbacks in football. The superstar has been well worth the massive extension he signed back in 2023.

We will evaluate the quarterback position to start the offseason, as we will highlight all other position groups in the coming weeks and months.

Under contract​

QB Justin Herbert ($37.3M cap hit)

2025 will be the first year in which Herbert’s contract truly starts to kick in. He’s still locked in for five more years, so there’s no concern for a contract extension.

Even with Herbert’s massive cap hit, the team has plenty of cap space, so it will allow them to surround him with more talent in 2025 and beyond. The stats may not exactly reflect it, but 2024 may have been the best version that we have seen of Herbert yet.

With a rookie slot wideout as his only clear weapon, he threw for 23 touchdowns and just three interceptions in the regular season. Due to the AFC being loaded at the position, Herbert still hasn’t made the Pro Bowl since his lone appearance back in 2021.

That’s not reflective of his level of play, though, as he remains an elite-level quarterback. Expect more of the same in 2025 and perhaps even a better version of Herbert with another wideout (or two).

Pending free agents​

QB Easton Stick

After four starts in 2023, Stick failed to appear in a game in 2024. In fact, he was the third-string quarterback throughout the season. His future in Los Angeles is very much up in the air now.

Stick has thrown for 1,133 yards and three touchdowns across 175 pass attempts. At this point, the former North Dakota State product isn’t more than a third-stringer in this league. That doesn’t bode well for his chances of returning to Los Angeles, as the front office can go for some higher upside backups on the market.

QB Taylor Heinicke

Since the Chargers traded for Heinicke, he has barely seen the field. The veteran appeared in four games this season, but it only resulted in four pass attempts. Between 2021 and 2023, he started 28 games, so the experience is there.

The Chargers could bring him back for next to nothing, which would be smart given his proven ability to fill in as a starter. That would allow the front office to pursue one or two younger guys as the other backup(s). An open competition for the backup position would be the best bet for this quarterback room.

2025 Outlook​

With an improved set of playmakers (likely), Herbert should have an even better 2025 campaign. This offseason will allow him to fully rest and heal, too, which should only help. Herbert was phenomenal in 2024 and led this team back to the postseason, but his numbers sometimes failed to reflect that due to his lack of weapons.

Everyone still recognized his brilliance, particularly after recovering from his ankle injury. Miraculously, he didn’t miss a start, and the backups combined for just five pass attempts during the season. As the season went on, Herbert got better (postseason not included).

The season didn’t end as anyone wanted it to, and Herbert played a big role in that. Heading into 2025, though, he is a primary reason why fans are excited for the outlook of this squad. Now, it’s up to the front office to ensure they bring in some good depth behind their franchise guy.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/18/chargers-offseason-quarterback-preview-justin-herbert/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers to open 2025 season in Brazil: 6 teams Los Angeles could play

The Chargers are kicking off their 2025 regular season in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Since they are playing host, there are six possible opponents.

The Eagles are being excluded because it was revealed that they will open up the season on Thursday night in Week 1, the day before this game. Also not listed are the Steelers and Colts, who are each hosting international games.

With that, here’s a look at the teams that could play Los Angeles in the international contest.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/lists/chargers-nfl-schedule-brazil-commanders-vikings-texans/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers predicted to make this key free agent addition

The Chargers will look to upgrade the center position this offseason.

Pro Football Network has them doing so in free agency by signing Colts’ Ryan Kelly.

This team is in a win-now window with a quarterback we can consider a veteran. Therefore, Kelly being above 30 is not an issue when it comes to putting an experienced player on this line to help them for the next 2-3 years.

Bradley Bozeman, who was signed last offseason to replace Corey Linsley, had an uninspiring season with the Chargers. While he did play the most snaps among the offensive starters, his play left a lot to be desired, particularly in pass protection.

Kelly would be a massive upgrade in that department, as he is one of the best pass-blocking centers in the league. His 73.2 Pro Football Focus pass-block grade over the past three seasons ranks fourth among 28 qualifying centers, while his 2.9% pressure rate allowed also ranks fourth.

Kelly is set to be 32 next season. He has sustained injuries over the past couple of seasons, missing seven games in 2024 and three in 2023. Nonetheless, Kelly would provide a boost up front to help keep Justin Herbert upright.

PFF projects Kelly’s contract to be for two years worth $9.5 million annually with $8 million guaranteed.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/19/chargers-free-agency-signing-ryan-kelly/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers set to open 2025 regular season in Brazil

The Chargers have been chosen as the home team in the NFL’s second-ever game in Brazil, which will kick off their 2025 regular season on Friday of Week 1.

The game will be played in São Paulo at Corinthians Arena, home to Brazilian soccer team SC Corinthians. The stadium was an official venue for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games.

This will be the Bolts’ fourth international game. They most recently played in Mexico City in 2019 and in London twice (2008, 2018).

The Chargers’ opponent and kickoff time will be announced at a later date, closer to when the NFL schedule is revealed this spring.

In 2024, the Eagles and Packers played in the first-ever game in Brazil. Philadelphia won by the score of 34-29.

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Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/19/chargers-nfl-schedule-international-game-brazil/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

What the re-signing of Elijah Molden means for the Chargers

Elijah Molden will be back in 2025 at a much higher salary number.

Molden signed a 3-year, $18.75 million contract extension on Thursday evening that cements him as part of the Chargers’ future plans in the secondary. The new deal gives him a higher average per year salary than fellow starter Alohi Gilman, who is due to be a free agent after the 2025 season.

The contract also keeps Molden, Gilman, and All-Pro Derwin James in the fold going forward. While that’s a large investment in the safety room, it allows defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to continue to deploy James as primarily a slot defender. James was at his best in that role in 2024 and was named a second team All-Pro at slot cornerback as a result.

With Tony Jefferson expected to return for another season after coming out of retirement to play for the Chargers last year, Los Angeles may very well run the same safety room back from 2024. That unit was marred by injury, including IR stints for Gilman, Molden, and midseason signee Marcus Maye.

Molden was one of LA’s best defenders before breaking his fibula in Week 17, finishing second on the team in interceptions (3) behind rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still. His 75 total tackles were also third on the team. With no reported ligament damage due to his injury, the Chargers are likely expecting to have Molden back on the field when training camp opens this summer.

His presence not only gives Los Angeles a fearsome safety tandem, but allows the Chargers to utilize arguably their best defensive player in his most effective role. Combine that with a salary cap that came in well over projections, as announced by the league on Wednesday, and the roughly $6 million per year price tag for Molden seems like a massive steal for Los Angeles.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/20/chargers-elijah-molden-contract-extension-takeaways/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Social media reacts to Elijah Molden's contract extension

On Thursday, Chargers safety Elijah Molden received a well-deserved contract extension, which will keep him on the team for three additional years.

Chargers fans and the rest of the general population rejoiced as he got extended.

Here’s a glimpse at Twitter after the news broke out:

After a career year the Chargers sign back Elijah Molden to a three year deal
Here was his 2024 stats:
— 15 games
— 75 tackles
— 2 tackles for loss
— 7 pass defections
— 2 fumble recovers
— 3 interceptions
Huge to have him back! pic.twitter.com/dJIpsyPdc9

— ChargersMuse (@ChargersMuse) February 21, 2025

Since people are asking…
I would be absolutely stunned if the Chargers turned around and cut Alohi Gilman after extending Elijah Molden today.
In order to move Derwin James around as much as they do, they gotta have two players behind him that they trust and now they have that…

— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) February 21, 2025

Elijah Molden’s extension allows Derwin James Jr. to continue being a madman at the line of scrimmage https://t.co/rvDoHs0RqN

— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) February 21, 2025

Derwin James doesn’t have the season he had without Elijah Molden patrolling the deep part of the field. https://t.co/ikd9ObckC4

— David Droegemeier (@DrotalkSD) February 21, 2025

#Chargers re-sign Elijah Molden to a 3-year deal. He absolutely balled out last year and I can’t wait to have him back when his leg heals.

1/5 to be re-resigned. #boltup https://t.co/bULytMFb7r pic.twitter.com/8UEwiHFPHw

— Powder Blue Blood (@pwdrblueblood) February 21, 2025

Elijah Molden was not only a valuable playmaker in his own right this season but was probably the number one key to unlocking Derwin around the line of scrimmage.
Awesome news to start the Chargers offseason

Welcome back Elijah!!! https://t.co/yVn0Q2WSgn

— Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast (@TDU_Chargers) February 21, 2025

Awesome! Super happy for Elijah Molden and the multi-year deal is well-deserved. The Chargers stole him from the Titans, continued to find opportunities for him, and all he did was ball out. Simply, they could not let him leave this off-season. Very important player. https://t.co/rAuIMRYNL2

— Camden (@Camden_Cash) February 21, 2025

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/20/chargers-twitter-reactions-elijah-molden-extension/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers re-sign Elijah Molden to multi-year contract

The Chargers have agreed to re-sign safety Elijah Molden, the team announced Thursday night.

Molden’s contract will be worth $18.25 million with $13.25 million in guarantees.

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.

Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/20/chargers-news-elijah-molden-contract-extension/

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Who are the best fits for three of the Chargers' top pending free agents?

The Chargers were deemed the best team fit for two players on ESPN’s Matt Bowen’s list of top 50 free agents.

Los Angeles was well represented, with three pending free agents of their own on the list, starting with edge defender Khalil Mack. The Packers were listed as Mack’s best fit.

The Packers adding Mack to pair with Rashan Gary would boost their pass rush off the edges. Mack had six sacks and 41 pressures in 2024 with the Chargers. And even though he’s turning 34 this week, he’s still a three-down force with the steady play speed to heat up the pocket.

Mack should be the Bolts’ No. 1 priority to re-sign, as he’s shown that he has plenty of gas left in the tank. But if he is not back in Los Angeles, a team like the Packers could benefit from his services after finishing 26th in pass rush win rate in 2024.

Next up on the list was cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. The 49ers were tabbed as Samuel’s best fit.

A shoulder injury limited Samuel to four games last season, but he has the traits to produce at a position of need in Robert Saleh’s 49ers defense. Charvarius Ward is a free agent, meaning there could be a hole at corner. Samuel has a playmaking mentality, with the foot quickness and sudden closing speed to break on the ball in zone and man looks.

Samuel is coming off a contract year where he missed all but four games due to a shoulder injury. While his coverage skills have been a strength of his game, Samuel has struggled as an open-field tackler.

The last player listed was running back J.K. Dobbins, who’s seen as a great option for the Browns.

How about Dobbins signing with the Browns to replace Nick Chubb as Cleveland’s new lead runner? The offense fits his traits well with both gap and zone schemes. And Dobbins looked explosive on the tape throughout last season, though he missed four games because of a knee sprain. He finished 2024 with 907 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

Signed last offseason, Dobbins’ play exceeded his $1.6 million prove-it deal. He set a career-high in rushing yards (905) and tied his personal best in rushing touchdowns (9).

He should be a priority for the Chargers this offseason. But the Browns will be looking to retool their running back room, too.

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Source: https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/18/chargers-best-free-agent-fits-khalil-mack-jk-dobbins/