After a free-agent class that some fans considered disappointing, the LA Chargers put together a strong class in the 2025 NFL Draft that should lay the foundation for success for many years to come.
While the Chargers did not make a big signing in free agency, the team did a good job of not boxing itself in. Los Angeles checked off every need in free agency, allowing the team to truly draft the best player available at every turn.
As a result, there are some players who were signed who may no longer have as big of a role with the team as expected. The Chargers are naturally going to favor a drafted rookie over a recently signed flier, and that is especially true for nose tackle Naquan Jones.
Chargers' Jamaree Caldwell selection puts Naquan Jones on thin ice
Jones signed a one-year contract with the Chargers after the departures of Poona Ford and Morgan Fox. Jones is not the only nose tackle the Bolts signed as Da'Shawn Hand.
Hand has a bit more versatility on the inside than Jones, who is solely a nose tackle. With Ford off the team, Jones had a clear path to getting ample playing time with the Bolts. With Caldwell on the team as the priority, Jones' chances may be limited.
Jones will have to earn every single snap he plays throughout training camp and the preseason. He has been a fringe roster player throughout his career, so this is not an unusual position for him to be in.
The Chargers seemingly prepared for this possibility with the contract the team signed Jones to as a free agent. Jones signed a one-year, $1.835 million contract with the Bolts with only $250,000 guaranteed. Los Angeles can get out of the deal only paying the $250,000 if Jones does not earn a roster spot.
Caldwell appears to have more potential as a nose tackle for the Bolts, although his ability to bounce around several interior defensive line spots does help Jones. The problem for Jones is that Teair Tart re-signed with the team and also will eat up playing time at nose tackle.
Otito Ogbonnia is also a candidate to get snaps at the position, although his path may be tougher as this new Chargers regime hasn't given him many chances thus far.
Regardless, Jones' odds of making the roster have decreased and his odds of actually playing a key role in the rotation have taken a huge dip. Jones was a fine contingency plan when there were no other options but with Caldwell on the roster, he may be left out to dry.