The best bargains on the Chargers roster heading into the 2024 season

Former general manager Tom Telesco left the LA Chargers in a precarious salary-cap situation as he went all-in on a core that simply was not good enough to make a difference. Bad coaching could not elevate that core and now the Chargers are left with a new head coach and general manager, both of which are massive upgrades from what the team had prior.

New GM Joe Hortiz had to make several tough decisions in the offseason just to become cap-compliant. This involved trading Keenan Allen and outright cutting Mike Williams. As a result, Jim Harbaugh will have to coach up one of the worst skill-position groups in the league on paper in his first year with the Bolts.

Hortiz also had to convince both Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa to take pay cuts to help the Chargers, which they did. Without that, the Chargers would have had to make at least one more painful cut ahead of the 2024 season.

Most of the focus this offseason has been centered around the inflated contracts on the books that have forced the Bolts into this predicament. Thus, it is appropriate we look at the flip side and point out where the Chargers are getting a great deal. (and no, this does not count players still on their rookie contracts.)

The 3 biggest bargains on the Chargers roster

Morgan Fox - $4.75 million cap hit

The Chargers signed Morgan Fox to reunite with Brandon Staley prior to the 2022 season. Fox proved that he was one of the most underrated interior pass rushers in the sport, putting together a great season for the Bolts.

Many expected Fox to be priced out of Los Angeles after his first season with the team but that was not the case at all. The Chargers were able to re-sign Fox to a two-year, $7.25 million contract that carries a $4.75 million cap hit in 2024, per Over The Cap.

Fox may not have the overall sack numbers as an elite interior pass rusher and he isn't perfect against the run. But at the end of the day, he is a well-above-average interior pass rusher who helps make up a dangerous pass rush next to the stacked edge rusher room.

D.J. Chark - $2.89 million cap hit

The Chargers needed to add X receiver depth after the 2024 NFL Draft and that is exactly what the team managed to do with D.J. Chark. Los Angeles signed Chark to a one-year deal that carries just a $2.89 million cap hit. While he may not re-capture his Pro Bowl form, there is a good chance Chark outperforms his salary-cap hit.

Chark enters the 2024 season as the WR4 on the depth chart but there might be plenty of opportunities for him to produce depending on how the season shakes out. The only other receiver on the roster who can consistently be the X receiver is Joshua Palmer, who has not been the most durable in recent years.

If Palmer gets hurt or simply fails to live up to expectations then Chark is suddenly going to be involved much more in the offense. Even if Palmer is playing well, there is real big-play potential for Chark, who can be the vertical threat to take the top off defenses.

In a fully healthy year for the WR room, it would be surprising to see Chark eclipse 600 receiving yards. But even if he does not rack up the counting stats, chances are Chark will produce much more than what his cap hit indicates.

J.K. Dobbins - $1.13 million cap hit

Hortiz made a habit out of bringing in former Baltimore Ravens this offseason, including former second-round pick J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins reunites with Gus Edwards in the Chargers backfield as he gets what might be his last chance of proving he can stay healthy.

If Dobbins does stay healthy and his previous injuries don't slow him down then he will prove to be one of the best valued offensive players in the sport. There is still a big if attached to this, there is no doubt about it, but even 90% of what Dobbins used to be would be exceptional at this price point.

There is absolutely no risk for the Chargers in taking a chance on Dobbins, either. The team is not expecting him to be the bell-cow back and has other options in case it does not work. Heck, the Chargers hardly gave Dobbins a guarantee on his contract as the team knows he may not bounce back.

There is no guarantee it works out but that does not change the fact the Chargers landed Dobbins at an exceptional price point. Great teams hit home runs on fliers like this and it is about time the Chargers at least give themselves a chance to hit on a flier.

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