The LA Chargers have already locked up a playoff spot heading into the final game of the 2024 season against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Jim Harbaugh effect has been everything as advertised as the Bolts experienced an instant turnaround despite losing talent in the offseason.
Heading into the 2025 offseason, the Chargers have more resources to build on the strong foundation Harbaugh has created. The 2024 season is just the start of what should be a successful multi-year run with Harbaugh, which could culminate with a Super Bowl.
Some of the resources will have to be used to keep talent in Los Angeles, though. There is a long list of players who are entering their last game under contract with the Chargers in Week 18 (of course, not factoring in the NFL Playoffs). Some of those players are must-re-signs for the Bolts.
Every Chargers player entering free agency:
Player | Type |
|---|---|
Khalil Mack | UFA |
Morgan Fox | UFA |
Kristian Fulton | UFA |
D.J. Chark Jr. | UFA |
Easton Stick | UFA |
Taylor Heinicke | UFA |
Denzel Perryman | UFA |
J.K. Scott | UFA |
Asante Samuel Jr. | UFA |
Troy Dye | UFA |
Poona Ford | UFA |
J.K. Dobbins | UFA |
Marcus Maye | UFA |
Josh Palmer | UFA |
Eli Apple | UFA |
Tony Jefferson | UFA |
Elijah Molden | UFA |
Shaquille Quarterman | UFA |
Teair Tart | UFA |
Hayden Hurst | UFA |
Sam Mustipher | UFA |
Bradley Bozeman | UFA |
Jalen Reagor | UFA |
Chris Rumph II | UFA |
Simi Fehoko | UFA |
Brenden Jaimes | UFA |
Nick Niemann | UFA |
Tucker Fisk | ERFA |
Foster Sarell | RFA |
Stone Smartt | RFA |
There are some big names on this list the Chargers are going to want to re-sign. Khalil Mack leads the way as the biggest impending free agent and the Chargers actually have a tough decision to make with the Pro Bowl edge rusher.
As great as Mack has been this season, he has been a step slower than he was in the 2023 season. Mack is reaching the point of his career where he may regress with age, so the Chargers have to be careful in committing too many resources to him. Mack is a home-run re-signing if the price is right. But if the price is elevated then the Chargers may need to make a hard decision.
There are several other players on this list who the Chargers would likely want to bring back. The interior defensive line trio of Morgan Fox, Teair Tart and Poona Ford have all been exceptional for the Bolts this season. Tart and Ford were both fliers who worked out and increased their value, so the Chargers could look to replicate that with new players if their price becomes too high.
J.K. Dobbins and Elijah Molden deserve new deals from the Chargers for everything they have done this season, regardless of injury concerns. The same argument can be made for Denzel Perryman, although it is not as rock-solid.
Nick Niemann may be a must-re-sign after being named a Pro Bowl alternate for his special teams impact. Speaking of special teams, punter J.K. Scott may be finding a new home, as he has not been very impressive this season.
Several Chargers draft picks from the 2021 NFL Draft may be finding new homes after their rookie deals as well. Asante Samuel Jr. has not been seen in months in what is a truly weird situation. His departure is inevitable. The same can likely be said for Josh Palmer and Chris Rumph, both of which were selected after Samuel in 2021.
The Chargers will also have a decision at backup quarterback to make. Easton Stick and Taylor Heinicke are both free agents and will be available to re-sign for cheap. However, the Chargers could also peruse the market for a backup quarterback upgrade if they are not confident in this duo.
Many of the other names on this list are practice squad players or fringe roster players. Some will be brought back and some will be easily replaced.