The Chargers took a measured approach during free agency this year, opting for strategic, low-profile acquisitions instead of high-profile signings.
New additions include Tyler Biadasz, formerly a center for the Commanders, fullback Alec Ingold from the Dolphins, guard Cole Strange, and defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson from the Cardinals.
This thoughtful strategy might indicate a few things. They likely have confidence in their younger players stepping up, especially on the interior offensive line. Additionally, they seem to expect good results from the upcoming draft to fill critical roles.
And then there’s the possibility of making significant moves through trades, thanks to the financial flexibility they’ve maintained.
It’s probably a mix of all those reasons, really.
Anyway, let’s take a look at the Chargers’ three most pressing needs now that free agency is winding down.
Offensive Guard
For years, the Chargers have grappled with issues on their offensive line, and they’re set to enter the next season with a completely revamped lineup at center and both guard positions.
After center Bradley Bozeman’s retirement, they solidified the position by signing Biadasz, who has been a reliable starter for five years. But they face major uncertainties at guard after releasing right guard Mekhi Becton and allowing left guard Zion Johnson to hit free agency.
Both Becton and Johnson had their flaws—hence the changes—but finding a suitable replacement is going to be tough, to say the least.
They did add veteran guard Strange, but he hasn’t quite lived up to his first-round status from 2022 and had a disappointing season with the Dolphins. Even if he manages to start, he seems more like a temporary fix right now.
To address this, the Chargers need to focus on drafting at least one, ideally two guards that can offer both short-term and long-term solutions.
Penn State’s Olaiba Vega-Ioane would ideally be a perfect fit at the No. 22 pick, though he’d need to slide a bit to land there. On Day 2, players like Chase Bisontis, Emmanuel Preignon, and several others could be viable options in the second and third rounds.
Edge Rusher
With Tuli Tuipulotu and Khalil Mack, the Chargers have a formidable duo on the edge, both capable of causing chaos for opposing quarterbacks.
Yet, they need to boost their pass rush beyond just the two of them. Given that Mack is 35 and in the final year of his contract, they’ll need to consider his replacement soon.
Tuipulotu will also be entering the last year of his contract, and while it seems like the Chargers are planning to extend him, they should be ready for any scenario, including the need for a new edge rusher.
This makes the edge rusher position a significant focus in the draft. Holding the No. 22 pick means they may miss out on top-tier prospects like Ohio State’s Arbel Reese or Texas Tech’s David Bailey, who are likely to be selected within the first handful of picks.
However, they could still secure a solid talent from the next group of pass rushers, with candidates like Texas A&M’s Cassius Howell and Miami’s Akheem Mesidor potentially available.
Interior Defensive Line
In free agency, the Chargers brought in seasoned veteran Tomlinson, who is expected to bring some toughness to the interior defensive line, despite a less-than-stellar season in Arizona. They also re-signed Teair Tart.
This is a step forward, but it’s just a small one towards addressing their need for a stronger middle on the defensive line.
It’s interesting to note that with $49.9 million available under the salary cap—among the highest in the league—they are well-positioned for a potential big trade. With the Giants’ defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence expressing a desire to be traded, this situation might open the door for the Chargers to land a game-changing player.
How new Giants manager John Harbaugh plans to assist his brother, Jim, who coaches the Chargers, remains to be seen. Still, there’s history of collaboration between the two, as shown when they traded Chargers safety Alohi Gilman to the Ravens for edge rusher Odafe Oweh.
If Lawrence becomes available, the Chargers would certainly explore that option.
In the first round, names like Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods or Florida’s Caleb Banks could be on their radar, while players to watch in later rounds include Georgia’s Kristen Miller and a host of others.
