The Los Angeles Chargers have a real chance to turn their offense around in 2026. With offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel in the fold, almost anything is possible.
Of course, they have needs in the trenches they need to focus on first. But if a player too potent to ignore becomes available, could there be a temptation to take a major swing?
Kenneth Walker III, who is now likely to hit free agency, will be a true test of their organizational approach this offseason. The reigning Super Bowl MVP was seen by many as a likely franchise-tag candidate. He will now hit free agency.
It’s unlikely the Seahawks will use their franchise tag on running back and Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, per league sources. The Seahawks have multiple free agents they want to retain and sign. They also will try to extend WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. There are enough Super-Bowl tax… https://t.co/9xbtIgLNn7 pic.twitter.com/XdfkNk16kf
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2026
The Seattle Seahawks would certainly like to bring him back. Their decision not to franchise tag him is a reflection of their other financial priorities this offseason, not how they value him.
Yet his availability opens a clear door for the Chargers. Even if it's a highly expensive one, it's an opportunity Los Angeles can't ignore.
A Walker-Hampton backfield could be too good to pass up
Heading into 2025, the run game was meant to be one of the Chargers' strengths. They had a reliable back in Najee Harris coupled with an explosive, young rusher in Omarion Hampton.
Like almost everything last season, it didn't play out as planned.
Harris played in only three games, getting limited touches before an Achilles tear ended his season. Hampton, meanwhile, missed a large portion of the season with a severe ankle injury.
With both Hampton and Kimani Vidal available, the run game was actually quite reliable. For all intents and purposes, running it back with both of those players would be adequate.
But it's hard not to be intrigued by a Walker-Hampton combination. Walker had a solid season in 2025, amassing 1,027 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 221 attempts. He truly showed his explosiveness in the postseason, however. Through Seattle's three playoff matchups, Walker amassed 313 yards and four touchdowns. The Super Bowl MVP Award was well-deserved.
Yet his pass-catching abilities are what make him truly attractive for the Chargers. In 2025, he caught 31 of his 36 targets for 282 yards. McDaniel is known for his creative scheming of the backfield in both the run and the pass game. With two explosive weapons in Hampton and Walker, who knows what he could do?
It would take a serious commitment from Los Angeles. Although Walker's next contract is projected at just $9 million annually by Spotrac, that feels a little low given the market.
It's certainly not their most dire need this offseason. But it's an opportunity they can't afford to completely reject.