The Los Angeles Chargers are making waves this offseason, starting with a bold move by bringing in Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator. But as McDaniel settles in, the focus shifts to the upcoming NFL Free Agency market and, intriguingly, who might be on their way out.
The Chargers find themselves in a familiar position under Jim Harbaugh, recovering from another early playoff exit. The addition of McDaniel, a former Miami Dolphins playoff head coach, marks a significant step in addressing their latest AFC Wild Card disappointment.
Now, the Chargers are looking to free up salary space by letting some free agents walk, with an eye on building through the NFL Draft. First on the list is a once-promising signing who needs a fresh start.
Mekhi Becton, who joined the Chargers with high expectations and a Super Bowl ring from the Philadelphia Eagles, has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Despite the fanfare, his presence didn’t improve the offensive line as hoped.
Becton's contract includes a $2.5 million salary and a $12.2 million cap hit, according to Spotrac. By releasing him, the Chargers can save money and allow Becton to explore free agency sooner than his 2027 offseason projection.
McDaniel's zone running scheme might not mesh well with Becton’s 63.4% run block win rate. The Chargers could look to the draft for an upgrade or possibly reunite McDaniel with James Daniels, a former interior offensive lineman he’s familiar with.
The Chargers are also likely parting ways with their record-breaking wide receiver, who is nearing his 34th birthday. After a stint with the Chicago Bears, he returned to the Chargers as a reliable 80-catch player. However, the receiving corps now highlights Ladd McConkey, with Tre Harris poised for a larger role.
While the Chargers could add a downfield threat in the draft, the veteran receiver will attract teams seeking experience and leadership on the perimeter.
The situation with Najee Harris and Khalil Mack presents another challenge. Harris’s tenure was marred by a season-ending injury, and Mack, at 35, carries an $18 million cap hit. It might be time for Mack to find a team that can utilize his talents for another year or two, while Tuli Tuipulotu steps up as the lead pass rusher.
As for Harris, the Chargers lost both him and 2025 top draft pick Omarion Hampton, partly due to a lackluster offensive line. Despite this, both players could be strong fits for McDaniel's offense.
Harbaugh might give Harris another shot, knowing that if he enters free agency, his market value might not be high. Bringing him back could be a fair move, but Harbaugh understands this experiment might not last long into 2026.
In all, the Chargers are navigating a pivotal offseason, balancing the need for fresh talent with financial prudence, all while setting the stage for a potentially transformative draft.