The LA Chargers head into the offseason with the second-most cap space to spend but with that cap space, they have plenty of upcoming free agents. Some are big-name free agents that the team should try and keep at all costs, others are lesser free agents that do not make much of a difference. Some should be outright left alone by the Chargers front office.
It can be a lot to keep track of so we decided to put together a Chargers free agency tracker that you can come back to and check as the offseason goes along. Of course, no official moves will be made until the offseason begins in March, but once that gate drops there is going to be a lot of movement to keep up with.
Who are the Chargers 2022 Unrestricted Free Agents?
Mike Williams, WR
After the best year of his young career, Mike Williams hits free agency as an unrestricted free agent. Williams could be a candidate for the franchise tag if the Chargers expect his contract value to be too high in the open market.
Kyzir White, LB
Kyzir White improved the most under Brandon Staley in 2021. Prior to 2021, White was a rotational linebacker who showed promise. He put it all together in 2021 and unfortunately, would be a fit on just about any defense.
Uchenna Nwosu, EDGE
The 2018 second-round pick started his first year as a starter off slow in 2021 but really turned it around in the second half of the season.
Justin Jones, DT
The LA Chargers had a horrible run defense in 2021 that was only made better by Justin Jones. The Chargers were not as bad when Jones played and while the team is likely going to overhaul the position, Jones should be part of the team's future.
Andre Roberts, KR
The Bolts signed Andre Roberts halfway through the 2021 season and he quickly became the best return man since Darren Sproles. He recorded the first return touchdown for the Chargers since the 2012 season.
Dustin Hopkins, K
The team started the year with Tristan Vizcaino but then pivoted to Dustin Hopkins after Hopkins was released by the Washington Football Team. Hopkins played very well with the Bolts and was the first reliable kicker the team has had in years.
Justin Jackson, RB
Justin Jackson proved his worth down the stretch and likely played into a new contract with the Bolts. He should not come at a high price but with the rest of the running back room being so bleak, re-signing Jackson might just be the safest move.
Linval Joseph, DT
Linval Joseph signed a two-year contract with the Chargers in the 2020 offseason that expired after the 2021 season.
Chris Harris, CB
Chris Harris also signed a two-year contract with the Bolts in the offseason. With Bryan Bulaga likely being released, all of the big signings from the 2020 offseason will no longer be with the team.
Jared Cook, TE
Cook signed a one-year deal with the Bolts last offseason and with some of the mistakes he made in the year, and with Tre' McKitty's emergence, Cook likely won't be a Charger again in 2022.
Stephen Anderson, TE
Stephen Anderson showed a lot of versatility as a good blocker and pass-catcher playing both at tight end and fullback for the Bolts. Anderson is someone who could really thrive with a bigger role and he might pursue that if the money is right.
Oday Aboushu, G
Oday Aboushi was signed on a cheap one-year deal last offseason and was playing extremely well at the right guard position before tearing his ACL against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5.
Ryan Smith, CB
Ryan Smith signed a one-year contract with the Bolts prior to the 2021 season but could not stay healthy, appearing in just four games for the Bolts.
Kyler Fackrell, EDGE
The Chargers signed Fackrell to a one-year contract in 2021 to be a rotational edge rusher. With Chris Rumph heading into his second season and the potential of drafting an edge, Fackrell probably won't be back in LA.
Chase Daniel, QB
Chase Daniel was brought in to be a veteran quarterback presence for Justin Herbert. He should return in 2022.
Senio Kelemete, G
Don't expect Senio Kelemete to return to the Bolts after the disastrous game he had against the Denver Broncos in a spot-start. The team can get better depth elsewhere.
Michael Schofield, G
The Bolts signed Michael Schofield off the street after Aboushi suffered a torn ACL against the Browns. Schofield did okay as an emergency option but he still was not a good right guard. He was out of the league before the Chargers signed him.
Matt Overton, LS
The Chargers picked Matt Overton up during the preseason and he proved to be a valuable long snapper. One of the most important things of special teams success is continuity, so Overton should be brought back.
Christian Covington, DT
Christian Covington did not get much playing time with the Chargers but he looked solid in the few chances that he did get. He could return as a depth piece.
Devontae Harris, CB
Devontae Harris was not really good for the Bolts and probably won't return to the team in 2022. He was signed off of the 49ers' practice squad in November.
Scott Quessenberry, C
Scott Quessenberry is the team's backup center and unless another team offers him a starting job, he should return in 2022 to keep the continuity of the offensive line.
Who are the Chargers 2022 Restricted Free Agents?
Ty Long, P
Ty Long hasn't been a bad punter, but with so many compensatory picks in the 2022 NFL Draft, don't be surprised if the team drafts Matt Araiza.
Trey Marshall, S
The Chargers claimed Trey Marshall off of waivers in September and he did not really show all that much in his time with the team.
Who are the Chargers 2022 Exclusive Rights Free Agents?
As a refresher, an ERFA is someone who has played fewer than three years and is a free agent. The Bolts just have to offer a one-year deal at league minimum to keep these players in LA.
Jalen Guyton, WR
Jalen Guyton has become a good deep-threat option that is fine as the fourth-best receiver on the team.
Donald Parham, TE
This is a no-brainer. Donald Parham is going to be an important part of the passing game moving forward for the Bolts, especially with the potential of both Cook and Anderson leaving.
Storm Norton, RT
I am not against keeping Storm Norton around at right tackle at such a cheap cost but he definitely should not see the number of snaps that he saw in 2021.
2022 Free Agents signed by the Chargers:
This will be updated as the offseason goes along.
2022 Free Agents leaving the Chargers:
This will be updated as the offseason goes along.