All articles tagged with #los angeles chargers
In Mock 2.0, the Chargers aim to land plug-and-play left guard Vega Ioane at 22 to replace Zion Johnson, with later picks adding edge depth (Gabe Jacas), cornerback (Chandler Rivers), a burner wideout (Brenen Thompson) and a potential interior DL (Landon Robinson) to complete the roster after free agency.
With the first wave of free agency winding down, the Chargers’ roster is taking a clearer shape around McDaniel’s offensive concepts. Justin Herbert remains the starter, backed by Trey Lance on a one-year deal, while Omarion Hampton leads the backfield with savvy addition Keaton Mitchell. The WR corps is in flux as Keenan Allen’s status remains unsettled and a bigger role is anticipated for rising talent Ladd McConkey. Charlie Kolar steps in at tight end to bolster blocking and pass-catching, and Alec Ingold replaces Matlock at fullback. Up front, Slater returns from injury with Biadasz at center and Strange at right guard, though Penning is viewed as a versatile piece for guard or swing tackle. On defense, Tomlinson anchors the interior with Tart, Mack and Tuipulotu headline the edge group (Oweh departed), and Perryman plus Henley form the core at linebacker. The secondary add includes Molden with James, plus depth at corner, while special teams remain solid with Harris re-signed.
The Broncos acquire WR Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins, with Waddle stressing a team-first mindset and versatility that should fit into Sean Payton’s offense alongside a growing receiving corps. The Chargers sign several players—TE Charlie Kolar, OT Trey Pipkins, RB Keaton Mitchell, LB Del’Shawn Phillips, and OT Trevor Penning—to multi-year deals to bolster depth on both sides of the ball. On the Raiders side, Maxx Crosby discussed the Ravens trade fiasco on his podcast, reaffirming his commitment to Las Vegas, focusing on his legacy, and continuing to rehab as he remains a Raider.
The Los Angeles Chargers signed quarterback Trey Lance to a one-year deal, adding depth at QB after his time with the 49ers, as part of NFL.com's roundup of league moves during the offseason.
Bucky Brooks spotlights seven under-the-radar free-agent signings that could pay dividends in 2026: Patrick Ricard to the Giants, Reed Blankenship to the Texans, Charlie Kolar to the Chargers, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Bills, Al-Quadin Muhammad to the Buccaneers, Nahshon Wright to the Jets, and Cade Mays to the Lions, with contract details and scheme fits that could boost rushing attack, secondary play, and overall rosters.
The Los Angeles Chargers signed running back Keaton Mitchell to a multi-year contract, adding explosive speed to their backfield alongside Omarion Hampton and Kimani Vidal. Mitchell, who joined Baltimore as an undrafted free agent in 2023, rushed for 396 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie before an ACL injury cut his 2023 season and limited his 2024. He bounced back in 2025 with 341 rushing yards on 59 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry (first among backs with at least 50 carries) and adding 11 runs of 10-plus yards. At 5-foot-8, 190 pounds and 4.37 speed, he profiles as a change-of-pace back who can deliver big plays for a run-first Chargers attack and help wear down defenses late in games.
Trey Hendrickson’s market is narrowing after Cincinnati didn’t franchise-tag him, with three teams making the most sense—Indianapolis, Los Angeles (Chargers), and Chicago (Bears)—and Washington as a plausible dark horse. Colts are viewed as the cleanest fit to close games opposite Laiatu Latu, the Chargers as a win-now destination with a franchise QB, Bears as a cap-permitting upgrade, and Washington as a bold wildcard. The move signals a pricey, high-impact free-agent signing for the league’s top edge rusher.
The Los Angeles Chargers signed Pro Bowl fullback Alec Ingold to a multi-year contract, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. In seven NFL seasons, Ingold has started 58 of 107 games and provided versatile blocking and receiving contributions for the Dolphins and Raiders, as the Chargers add a proven fullback to their offense.
Khalil Mack agreed to a one-year, $18 million guaranteed contract to return to the Chargers, giving him another shot at their elusive playoff win. After briefly considering retirement, he chose to continue playing, citing love for the game, and he remained productive down the stretch despite an early elbow injury, reuniting with Justin Herbert and coach Jim Harbaugh for 2026.
The Los Angeles Chargers and Khalil Mack agreed to a one-year, fully guaranteed $18 million contract for the 2026 season, keeping the veteran edge rusher in L.A. as the team eyeing a re-signing of Odafe Oweh; Mack, 35, remained productive in 2025 with 5.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 12 games, adding to a career that includes nine Pro Bowls and a place on the 2010s All-Decade Team.
Veteran edge rusher Khalil Mack agreed to a one-year, fully guaranteed $18 million contract to remain with the Los Angeles Chargers, choosing continuity after initially planning to explore free-agent options.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced the signing of Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz on March 6, 2026. Biadasz, a former fourth‑round pick who has started 84 of 92 career regular-season games for Dallas and Washington, earned a 2022 All‑Star nod and Pro Bowl selection in 2024 while blocking for a line that helped 800-yard rushers and allowed few sacks. He spent 2024–25 with Washington, started all 31 regular-season games there, and played college football at Wisconsin, where he won the Rimington Trophy and earned All‑America honors. The move provides the Chargers with an experienced interior blocker and immediate interior‑line depth.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the Chargers plan to release Mekhi Becton after a two-year, non-guaranteed deal for 2026, which would clear about $9.7 million in cap space while leaving $2.5 million in dead money. Becton played 15 games at right guard for the Chargers this season and started their playoff loss to the Patriots; the 2020 Jets first-round pick had previously found a starting role with the Eagles in 2024 and helped them to a Super Bowl win, setting up his move to the Chargers.
An NFL.com column identifies five teams—Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals—as the ones most likely to swing big in the 2026 free agency, citing substantial cap space and clear roster needs. The piece suggests the Rams go all‑in around Matthew Stafford, the Patriots pursue targeted, value signings to sustain momentum, the Commanders leverage their large cap room to address multiple holes, the Chargers upgrade the offensive line to protect Justin Herbert, and the Bengals add defensive playmakers to restore playoff poise; free agency opens March 9 with the signing period beginning March 11.
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Chargers GM Joe Hortiz stressed protecting Justin Herbert and upgrading the offense and O-line, praised Mike McDaniel as a high-energy hire who’ll be more involved in the draft, and signaled willingness to pursue multiple edge-rushers (Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh) without tagging anyone. He noted Zion Johnson’s potentially strong free-agent market and discussed contract talks, while also introducing Chris O’Leary as the new defensive coordinator and play-caller, highlighting a zone-based approach that may shift how the Chargers evaluate players this offseason.