The Los Angeles Chargers had to make some decisions on the defensive side of the ball this offseason.
First and foremost was Odafe Oweh, who they let walk to the Washington Commanders on a four-year, $96 million deal. Their selection of Akheem Mesidor in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft should fill that gap pretty quickly. But partially in the interest of Joe Hortiz's beloved compensatory pick formula, they also let Benjamin St-Juste, Otito Ogbonnia, and Da'Shawn Hand depart in free agency.
Ogbonnia and Hand should have complementary roles to play on their new teams, and Justin Eboigbe and Jamaree Caldwell will fill those roles easily. But St-Juste's two-year, $10 million deal with the Green Bay Packers will be an object of intrigue all season. He was maximized under Jesse Minter's zone-heavy scheme, but can he be the same type of player in Green Bay? Does Los Angeles have a player (like Eric Rogers or UDFAs Rodney Shelley or Avery Smith) who can take over his share of snaps?
According to John Sbisa at Lombardi Ave, we may already be finding our answer to the former question. St-Juste has done nothing but impress with the Packers, and he may very well be competing for a starting role when it's all said and done.
"St-Juste can do a little bit of everything. He is physical, long, and a consistent supporter for the defenders in front of him.... The cornerback competition remains wide open, particularly after Valentine's hamstring injury in training camp. St-Juste should have a chance to command significantly more than the 356 snaps he logged in Los Angeles a year ago, if not contend for a starting job at some point this season." John Sbisa, Lombardi Ave
Chargers may have been better off just keeping Benjamin St-Juste on the roster
'Regret' is a strong word here. St-Juste was solid in Los Angeles, but he was far from a star cornerback. The Chargers should be relatively set at the position with their trio of Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, and Cam Hart, and St-Juste's departure opens the door for a young contributor to make a leap under Chris O'Leary.
But St-Juste did take 37% of defensive snaps when he was available last season, and a viable candidate hasn't emerged yet to take over that role.
St-Juste took major strides both in coverage and as a run defender in his lone season in Los Angeles. He posted 27 solo tackles and three PBUs while allowing a passer rating against of just 64.0, per Pro Football Focus. He was the ninth-highest graded coverage corner according to PFF's system— although that metric likely would've dropped if he were given a more expanded role in the Chargers defense.
Still, $5 million a year for a player of St-Juste's skill-set doesn't seem all that hefty, especially when the Chargers still have north of $41 million remaining in cap space this offseason.
St-Juste will need to compete with Carrington Valentine and rookie defender Brandon Cisse for one of the two starting outside corner roles with the Packers. But even if he doesn't secure that role, he'll be in line for a major increase in snap-share in Green Bay.
The Packers know there's more to be unlocked from St-Juste. Whether the Chargers should've just taken that swing this offseason is something that will be determined this season.
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