The LA Chargers have proven that they will continue to make moves as long as it makes sense for the team. Last year, the Chargers added several impact players throughout the course of training camp and swung a trade for Elijah Molden shortly before the start of the season.
There are several intriguing names still available on the open market ahead of the 2025 season and the Chargers have the means to bring someone in. General manager Joe Hortiz will not hesitate to bring someone in if they make sense on the Bolts roster.
Perhaps the perfect marriage may exist between the Chargers and free-agent cornerback Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore recently explained how he wants to continue playing in the NFL, and explained exactly what he is looking for in his new team.
"I want to play this year, it's just got to be the right situation. It's got to be the right situation for me. I'm not just gonna sign anywhere," Gilmore said. "I still love the game. I still can contribute. It's just got to be the right place."
The Chargers could be the "right place" for Stefon Gilmore
Gilmore didn't outright say the Chargers, nor has he expressed any public desire to play for the Bolts next season. However, there are not many other situations in the league that would be as promising for Gilmore as the Chargers are.
Gilmore would get a chance to compete for a Super Bowl if he signs with the Chargers. The Chargers are by no means a favorite to win the Super Bowl but they are certainly in the conversation. With Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh leading the way, anything is possible.
The veteran cornerback would also get the chance to play for one of the most exciting young defenses in the sport. First-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter turned the Chargers' defense into the top-scoring defense in the league last season. Who wouldn't want to join that?
There is also a place for Gilmore to fit right in. While Gilmore is primarily a boundary corner, he has shown the versatility to move around defenses and can play in various alignments. This goes hand-in-hand with the versatile defense Minter is creating in Los Angeles.
Gilmore would get a chance to mentor two promising young corners in Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart while also getting plenty of opportunities to play himself. Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste joined the Chargers as fliers this offseason but their futures are not guaranteed.
The Chargers likely stayed away from Gilmore during the initial wave of free agency because of his perceived cost. But with the veteran still on the open market, it's safe to say he will be available for an affordable price.
Training camp is right around the corner and it wouldn't be surprising if the Chargers realize they have a need at cornerback with their fliers not producing the results they are looking for. If that likely scenario comes to pass, Gilmore should be the first name Hortiz calls.