The Los Angeles Chargers have their fair share of in-house free agents to deal with this offseason.
Both Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh need new contracts. In an ideal world, both are brought back to play alongside Tuli Tuipulotu. Zion Johnson will also be a free agent after the Chargers declined his fifth-year option last offseason.
But perhaps their sneakiest need lies in replenishing their depth on defense. With a new defensive coordinator in Chris O'Leary entering the fray, the Chargers must do everything within their power to allow Jesse Minter's zone-heavy scheme to continue.
Los Angeles already got a head start on this mission by signing defensive tackle Teair Tart to an extension almost immediately after their elimination from the playoffs.
But there are a number of other pieces who should be brought back. Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, who had a bit of a resurgence with the Chargers in 2025, should be among these targets.
Benjamin St-Juste is necessary for the Chargers to retain their depth
During Minter's tenure in Los Angeles, the Chargers' strength lied in their secondary. They were among the best passing defenses in the NFL in 2025, largely due to their ability to lean on their tacklers and coverage players in zone looks.
They allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards on the season in the NFL.
The Chargers' defensive dominance has always been a team effort. Although they have their star in Derwin James, it is their strong collection of solid defensive backs that keeps the unit intact. St-Juste was certainly among Los Angeles's most underrated performers in 2025.
He played just 37% of the team's defensive snaps. But he was dependable when he was on the field.
He didn't reach the heights of his 2023 season with the Washington Commanders, but he was solid in his role. Through 16 games with the Chargers, he amassed seven passes defended and 37 combined tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the 11th best cornerback by overall grade in the NFL.
There likely won't be a frenzy of a market for St-Juste this offseason. But smart teams are always looking for solid contributors who can pitch in on low snap counts. If the Chargers' aren't careful, St-Juste could be snapped up rather quickly in free agency.
With a projected cap hit of just under $2 million on his next contract, bringing St-Juste back should be a no-brainer. He'll be an important piece to complement Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, and Donte Jackson on the outside.