3 Questions For The Los Angeles Chargers This Offseason
The Los Angeles Chargers were one of the big winners last offseason. After firing head coach Brandon Staley, they were able to land Jim Harbaugh. The move immediately started to pay dividends. After a 5-12 season in 2024, the team went 11-6 and made the postseason. The Houston Texans defeated them in the wild-card round after a three-intercept performance by quarterback Justin Herbert. However, there is a lot to be excited about for 2025. Here are three important questions for the Chargers this offseason.
1. What Do The Los Angeles Chargers Do With Joey Bosa & Khalil Mack?
This was a decision the Los Angeles Chargers had to make last offseason. It is upon them again. Khalil Mack was on an expiring deal last season and had a strong season. He is 34 years old and has hinted that he is considering retirement. They might be able to coax him back on a team-friendly deal, but it ultimately is up to him. Bosa is a tricky one. He is a $36.4 million cap hit next year, and the Chargers will likely look to restructure if they want to keep him. His production hasn’t exactly been elite in the past three seasons.
In the past three years, his season high is 6.5 sacks. He only had 5.0 this year. Furthermore, he hasn’t played a full season since 2021. He isn’t a complete zero, but the production doesn’t equal the cost they are paying him. If they cannot agree to a restructure, the best decision might be to let him go. If Mack and Bosa both leave, the team will need to fill a need for an edge rusher. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has shown he can do more with less, so the team may look to find cheaper options.
2. What Do They Do At Running Back?
JK Dobbins is a free agent this season and was the team’s best running back. However, he may not be the best long-term option for the Los Angeles Chargers. He has had multiple major injuries, and paying him a huge salary would be a huge risk. Harbaugh wants to run the ball. First-round pick Joe Alt was a home run pick, and the team is looking to build a strong defensive line. They need a dynamic running back. Free agency offers little value as many of them are aging veterans.
The good news for them is this running back class is very deep and has some players Harbaugh is very familiar with. Donovan Edwards won a national championship with the Michigan Wolverines and could be available in the mid to late rounds. He is just one of many. It would not shock me if the Los Angeles Chargers take at least two running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. This would not only help the running game be more dynamic but it would help take some pressure off of Justin Herbert.
3. Can They Add More Weapons For Herbert?
The knock on the Los Angeles Chargers for years has been their lack of weapons for Herbert. They struck gold in this year’s draft with Ladd McConkey. He set records this year and had a record-setting performance in the wild-card loss. If they could add one or two more pieces, this could become one of the most lethal offenses in the NFL. Tight end is the biggest need, especially after Will Dissly’s crucial drops in the playoffs. There’s another former Michigan Wolverine in Colston Loveland who many have mocked to the Chargers.
Another wide receiver would also do the team wonders. Could there be a reunion with Keenan Allen? Or do they go to the draft and find another solid receiver in the first couple of rounds? Whatever it is, they have an elite quarterback, and they need to build an offense around him. This team made great strides in 2024, and with some more weapons, this could be among the best of the AFC.
Final Thoughts
The Los Angeles Chargers made great strides in 2024. To go from picking in the top five to making the playoffs is a great accomplishment. This will be a fun team to watch this offseason. They finally have a solid head coach and are looking to contend with the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West. Harbaugh has shown he can win but now he has to show he can break the playoff curse that is hanging over this team.
