The LA Chargers are entering a new era led by head coach Jim Harbaugh. Los Angeles is changing the way it is doing things with Harbaugh at the helm and fans will see a much different team in 2024 than they saw in 2023.
One of the biggest changes is how the offense is going to operate. With Greg Roman being hired as the offensive coordinator, it is safe to assume that the Chargers will lean more into the running game to put Justin Herbert in the best position to succeed.
The Chargers have already made several moves that are indicative of having a strong running game and latest of which might be the most telling as it pertains to the team's identity. After not having one on the roster at all last season, the Chargers have officially added a full back to the mix, signing Ben Mason.
The Chargers have signed former Ravens FB Ben Mason.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 2, 2024
Chargers commit to new-look offense with Ben Mason signing
It has been clear all offseason that the Chargers are trying to drastically improve the running game. Los Angeles has been one of the worst running teams in the entire sport in recent years and that is entirely why Harbaugh employed Roman to lead the offense.
Signing Mason is simply more proof that this is the Chargers' priority this season. Mason has not done much thus far in the NFL but he has been highly-touted in the past as a young full back. After all, the Ravens drafted him as early as the fifth round back in 2021.
Don't expect Mason to suddenly become the new version of Lorenzo Neal but he could still become an important member of the offensive game plan. If the Chargers are going to turn this running game around then they need a solid full back.
All that being said, fans are still hoping that the Chargers don't swing too heavily into the running game under Roman. The Bolts still have one of the best quarterbacks in the sport and it would be counterproductive to take the ball out of his hands too often.
However, if the Chargers can at least establish the running game as a threat then it is going to open new doors and opportunities for the offense that has not existed in recent years. That is where the Mason signing will come into play.