In addition to the offense and defense, special teams will be one of the key phases the Chargers try to get settled over the next two months. Specifically, LA will need to pick their primary returners for both kicks and punts.
Special teams coverage improved for the Chargers during the season after a rough start in 2025. But they never managed to get the return game going. Los Angeles averaged 24.7 yards per kickoff return (26th in the NFL) and 6.5 yards per punt return (29th in the NFL). Even considering the injuries to Derius Davis and other extenuating factors, Ryan Ficken's return units were simply not good enough to flip field position for the Chargers.
The Chargers get a head start on figuring out their 2026 kick return candidates.
Via Chargers team reporter Eric Smith, we now have a list of names who could be in contention for kick return duties. An initial list of kick returners from Wednesday's mandatory minicamp practice includes WR Derius Davis, RB Keaton Mitchell, RB Omarion Hampton, RB Kimani Vidal, WR Devonte Ross, and WR JaQuae Jackson.
One key name is missing from that group. Rookie WR Brenen Thompson did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday at mandatory minicamp this week. Per Smith, he had also been receiving kickoff return reps prior to this week. Assuming he's healthy in training camp, he figures to be another contender. Thompson officially signed his rookie deal with the team yesterday,
Outside of Thompson, the other names listed make sense. Davis essentially serves at the incumbent who will be challenged by other candidates. Injuries have contributed to a tough few years for him after a great returning season in 2023. Davis earned AP second team All-Pro honors for punt returning in his rookie season.
The inclusion of the running backs also makes sense. Kimani Vidal was part of the kick return unit last year for the Chargers. Keaton Mitchell was efficient in his kickoff return duties with the Ravens last year. As for Omarion Hampton as the starting running back, one would imagine he's probably just an emergency option if either Vidal or Mitchell were hurt during a game.
JaQuae Jackson was on the teams' practice squad last year while UDFA WR Devonte Ross handled kick return duties at both Penn State and Troy in college.
Assuming Thompson is healthy for training camp, he'll almost certainly find himself in the mix at kick returner as well. But the names on the list so far make sense. Davis (when healthy) and Mitchell are the other intriguing candidates from a speed perspective out of this group.
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