Los Angeles Chargers Offseason Outlook: Big Cap Room, Big Decisions Ahead
After a season that ended with a whimper in Foxborough, the Los Angeles Chargers find themselves at a pivotal offseason crossroads. They’ve got the cap space - a projected $79.2 million, one of the largest war chests in the league - and five draft picks, including the No. 22 overall selection. But what they do with that flexibility could define the next chapter of the Justin Herbert era.
Let’s break down where the Chargers stand heading into free agency and the draft - and the three biggest priorities they’ll need to address to get over the hump.
1. Interior Offensive Line: A Must-Fix for McDaniel’s Scheme
The Chargers made the playoffs in 2025, but the cracks up front were hard to miss - and ultimately impossible to overcome. Losing both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt was a gut punch, and the offensive line never recovered.
The good news? Both tackles are expected back healthy in 2026.
The bad news? The interior of the line is still a work in progress, and with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel bringing a zone-based rushing attack, the personnel needs to match the scheme.
Center has been a sore spot for a couple of years now, and it’s clear that Bradley Bozeman isn’t a fit in McDaniel’s system. There’s already buzz connecting the Chargers to Ravens free agent Tyler Linderbaum - a technician in the run game who could thrive in this scheme. That would be a significant upgrade and a tone-setter for the unit.
At guard, things are just as murky. Zion Johnson is a pending free agent, and while the Chargers have the money to retain him, his market could get competitive.
Mekhi Becton, who was converted to guard, regressed this past season and might be on the chopping block. The depth across the entire line was exposed in 2025, and it’s clear the front office can’t afford to roll the dice again.
Expect at least one new starter inside - and probably more.
2. Edge Rusher: Oweh, Mack, and the Future of the Pass Rush
The Chargers have a decision to make on the edge - and it starts with two key free agents: Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack. Retaining either would go a long way toward stabilizing the pass rush, but Oweh is the younger, ascending player and should be the priority. That said, with the franchise tag unlikely, the Chargers will have to compete with other suitors once the tampering window opens.
If Oweh signs elsewhere, Mack becomes more than just a veteran presence - he becomes a necessity. The 33-year-old still has juice and seems open to returning for another year, but long-term, the Chargers need a plan.
Tuli Tuipulotu had a breakout campaign and looks like a foundational piece. He’s also a strong candidate for a contract extension this offseason.
If the Chargers manage to bring back both Oweh and Mack, they’ll be in a great spot with Tuipulotu and a deep rotation behind them. If not, edge rusher becomes a top-tier need - and potentially a target at pick No. 22.
3. Wide Receiver: A Sneaky Need in a Changing Offense
On the surface, receiver might not look like a pressing need. Keenan Allen, Ladd McConkey, and Quentin Johnston all had their moments in 2025. But dig a little deeper, and the cracks begin to show.
Allen, now 34, still led the team in targets and catches - but that’s not necessarily a sign of offensive health. He’s best in the slot, but his presence there limited McConkey, who thrives in that same space.
McConkey took a step back from his stellar rookie season, battling injuries and struggling in contested catch situations. One of McDaniel’s top priorities will be unlocking McConkey’s full potential again.
Then there’s Johnston. After a rough rookie year, he’s turned things around, leading the team in receiving touchdowns each of the past two seasons.
He’s big, fast, and physical - and the Chargers have done a better job scheming to his strengths. But the hands remain a concern, and with his fifth-year option decision looming (an $18 million guarantee for 2027), the team has to decide if he’s part of the long-term plan.
If they decline that option, receiver becomes a much bigger need than it might appear right now. Even if they pick it up, adding a dynamic, game-breaking presence to this group could be the missing piece in McDaniel’s system.
The Big Question: How Does Mike McDaniel Unlock Justin Herbert?
This is the storyline that looms over everything else in Los Angeles.
Justin Herbert remains one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the league. Statistically, he’s been prolific - second all-time in passing yards through six seasons, just behind Peyton Manning.
The arm talent, the accuracy, the mobility - it’s all there. Yet the postseason resume is undeniably rough.
A historic collapse in 2022, a four-pick meltdown in 2024, and a forgettable showing in this year’s loss to New England.
Still, inside the building, there are no doubts. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is all-in on Herbert and believes the rest of the roster needs to rise to his level. That belief led to a major change: moving on from longtime confidant Greg Roman and bringing in McDaniel to reimagine the offense.
McDaniel’s challenge? Build a system that plays to Herbert’s strengths - not just his arm, but his intelligence and ability to process.
The Dolphins’ offense under McDaniel was built around speed and quick timing throws with Tua Tagovailoa. The Chargers don’t have that same speed at the skill positions, but they do have a better offensive line (when healthy) and a quarterback with a higher ceiling.
How McDaniel adapts his scheme - and how quickly Herbert and the offense click - will define the 2026 season. And the expectations are already sky-high. Early betting lines have the Chargers favored to win the AFC West, ahead of the reigning division champion Broncos and even the dynastic Chiefs.
It’s a new era in Los Angeles. The cap space is there.
The quarterback is in place. Now it’s time to build the roster - and the offense - that can finally deliver in January.