Even though it ended in bitter defeat, the LA Chargers' 2024 season was a win for the franchise. The first season under Jim Harbaugh represented a massive step forward from the five-win mess the team was a year ago.
With more resources this offseason, Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz have a real opportunity to build on what they have started to create something even more special. If all goes as planned, the Chargers will still be in the hunt 365 days from now after the first round of the NFL Playoffs.
So what does everything going right look like for the Chargers? With various roster needs holding the team back in 2024, there are several moves the Chargers can make to be an even better version of themselves next season.
Creating the perfect Chargers offseason in 4 simple steps
1. Chargers invest heavy in another top-line receiver
We don't want to pigeonhole the Chargers on who they should bring in to help at wide receiver as there are options. Tee Higgins is the biggest name in free agency and no Chargers fan would complain if that is the route the team takes.
However, if the Chargers miss out on Higgins there are other big-name receivers the Bolts could pursue in free agency (including a reunion with Keenan Allen). If not free agency, the Chargers could hope for a big-time trade for a wideout, with New York's Garrett Wilson emerging as the true dream candidate.
Either way, the Chargers need to add another true difference-maker in the wide receiver room. Ladd McConkey literally had no help behind him and it showed in the Chargers' offensive struggles. If the Chargers are going to contend for a Super Bowl, they need one more marquee player who can be a threat.
Speaking of passing-game threats...
2. Chargers draft one of the top two tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft
This is not all on the Chargers as some of it will depend on the teams in front of them in the 2025 NFL Draft. But if all goes well, the Chargers will have a chance to draft one of the top two tight ends in the draft — Penn State's Tyler Warren or Michigan's Colston Loveland.
Warren appears to be the more well-rounded tight end but the Chargers really could not go wrong with either. There is also the obvious tie to Loveland with Harbaugh calling him Michigan's Travis Kelce while he was still the coach of the Wolverines.
Both players would add a completely new element to the passing game from the tight end position. More importantly, they would allow Will Dissly to do what he was signed to do in the first place: block. Dissly is not a pass-catching tight end, and that was on full display against the Houston Texans.
3. Chargers replace two starters on the offensive line with above-average options
Finding an above-average offensive lineman is easier said than done in the NFL but it is imperative the Chargers do it this offseason. Fans would take two average replacements on the offensive line at this rate, but if the Bolts can add above-average starters then they will truly be working with something special.
Los Angeles needs a new starting center and right guard and there are two ways to go about it. Whether it be via the NFL Draft or free agency, the Chargers need to bring in two starters who they fully trust to protect Justin Herbert.
Ideally, the Chargers would sign a starting interior offensive lineman to a lucrative contract to lure in someone special and would use a day-two pick to get a starter from the draft. This is not the offseason to go cheap on the offensive line.
4. Chargers extend Rashawn Slater
Rashawn Slater has one more season under contract and the Chargers can officially sign him to an extension this offseason. The earlier the Chargers do this the better for all parties involved and it is a no-brainer for the Bolts.
The longer the Chargers wait the more the team risks the market growing with other contracts that are signed. Plus, it shows faith in Slater and keeps any kind of contract negotiations from bleeding into training camp and the preseason.
It is always cleaner to do things as early as possible and Slater has earned a massive next extension from the Bolts. Any far-fetched doubts some had about Slater after 2022 and 2023 were completely extinguished as he reminded everyone he is a top-tier tackle in the NFL.