Life goes on, and the NFL is no exception, with the Los Angeles Chargers serving as a prime example. They had no choice but to shift their attention to next season as soon as their 2025 campaign came to a screeching halt.
Time is of the essence, which Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz ostensibly understands. He's already begun the process of building Los Angeles' 2026 group, starting with a flurry of under-the-radar moves.
Less than 48 hours after their disappointing playoff loss to the New England Patriots, the Chargers signed 14 players to reserve/futures contracts.
Chargers waste no time signing 14 players to reserve/futures contract after playoff exit
The Chargers announced the transactions in an official team statement. 11 of the 14 names mentioned notably finished this season on their practice squad (PS), and the complete catalog of additions is listed as follows:
- LS Peter Bowden
- WR Dalevon Campbell
- DL TeRah Edwards
- WR Luke Grimm
- WR JaQuae Jackson
- RB Amar Johnson
- LB Emany Johnson
- C Josh Kaltenberger
- TE Tanner McLachlan
- OLB Garmon Randolph
- OG Branson Taylor
- QB DJ Uiagalelei
- CB Isas Waxter
- TE Thomas Yassmin
These individuals figure to round out the Chargers' initial 90-man roster for next year. They'll be given opportunities to prove themselves as Los Angeles does its due diligence to reduce that number to 53 by the end of preseason.
Quarterback DJ Uiagalelei profiles as the most intriguing of the bunch. He was highly touted coming out of high school, entering college as the No. 2 overall recruit of the 2020 class. His combination of pedigree and size (6-foot-4, 252 pounds) makes him a high-upside flier worthy of a gamble.
Of course, that's not to say that Uiagalelei will usurp franchise centerpiece Justin Herbert as the Chargers' starting signal-caller. But with Trey Lance slated for unrestricted free agency and not looking like a viable option, L.A. could be in the market for a backup.
Uiagalelei failed to live up to the hype at Clemson before transferring to Oregon State and then Florida State. Nevertheless, his rocket arm, underrated mobility and age should give him a longer leash than most reserve/futures players. He quietly yielded at least four rushing touchdowns in four of five collegiate seasons.