With the brand new league 12 months kicking off March 12, NFL groups are already deep into planning for the offseason.
Listed below are 5 strikes the Los Angeles Chargers ought to make within the coming months:
1. Discover a alternative for edge-rusher Joey Bosa
On Wednesday, the Chargers launched five-time Professional Bowler Bosa, clearing $25.35M in cap area, per Over the Cap founder Jason Fitzgerald.
Bosa had solely 5 sacks in 14 regular-season video games in 2024, however his departure nonetheless leaves a gap within the pass-rush.
L.A. edge-rusher Khalil Mack — who had six sacks in 16 video games in 2024 — is an unrestricted free agent. Los Angeles’ Tuli Tuipulotu, in the meantime, recorded 8.5 sacks in 17 video games.
The Chargers, who’ve the twenty second choose within the first spherical, ought to contemplate taking an edge-rusher within the 2025 NFL Draft, maybe James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee or Jack Sawyer of Ohio State. Pearce (6-foot-5, 245 kilos) had 7.5 sacks in 13 video games in 2024, whereas Sawyer (6-foot-4, 260 kilos) had 9 in 16.
2. Commerce for Seahawks WR DK Metcalf
Per NFL Media insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Metcalf requested a commerce Wednesday.
On Wednesday, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz tweeted the Chargers pursued Metcalf final offseason, however Seattle rejected them.
In keeping with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Seahawks desire a first- and third-round choose for Metcalf, and the 27-year-old WR is in search of a contract price $30M yearly.
The Chargers ought to nonetheless attempt to commerce for Metcalf, who may develop into a invaluable weapon for quarterback Justin Herbert. In 15 video games in 2024, Metcalf had 66 receptions for 992 yards and 5 landing catches.
3. Solidify the RB room
Chargers RB J.Okay. Dobbins rushed for a career-high 905 yards in 13 regular-season video games in 2024. He completed second in Comeback Player of the Year voting behind Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow.
Re-signing him should not be costly for the Chargers. Spotrac estimates his market value is a two-year deal price $4.1M yearly.
Considerations about Dobbins’ sturdiness stay. In 4 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and Chargers, he has battled knee and Achilles accidents. L.A. may contemplate drafting one other RB to offer their backfield extra depth.
The category is deep on the place, so Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo (5-foot-9, 219 kilos) may nonetheless be accessible within the second or third spherical. Skattebo rushed for 1,711 yards and 21 TDs in 13 video games in 2024.
4. Lengthen left sort out Rashawn Slater
Extending Slater — who is about to play on the fifth-year possibility ($19.04M) in 2025 — could be a worthwhile funding for the Chargers.
In his first 4 seasons with the membership, he has made two Professional Bowls. In 15 regular-season video games in 2024, Pro Football Focus gave him a 91.1 grade, second at his place.
Slater’s market value is a five-year deal price $25.5M yearly. After Bosa’s launch, the Chargers ought to have sufficient cap area to offer him a brand new deal. Per Spotrac’s projections, L.A. has $90.7M in cap room.
5. Enhance at TE
Chargers TE Will Dissly recorded 50 receptions for 481 yards and two landing catches in 15 video games in 2024. L.A. may most likely discover an improve within the draft.
L.A. may goal Michigan TE Colston Loveland, who performed for Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh in his first two seasons with the Wolverines. In 10 video games in 2024, the 6-foot-6, 248-pounder had 56 receptions for 582 receiving yards and 5 TD catches.
The Chargers must also preserve Bowling Inexperienced TE Harold Fannin Jr. (6-foot-3, 241 kilos) on their radar. In 13 video games in 2024, he recorded 117 receptions for 1,555 yards and 10 TD catches.
