Chargers news: Justin Herbert extension predicted, Raiders hire former Bolts coach

The NFL offseason is officially in full swing, and although we're still a couple of weeks out from the start of free agency, the rumors and speculation have already begun. That's, of course, true for the Los Angeles Chargers as well.

From potential extension talks surrounding quarterback Justin Herbert to some under-the-radar 2023 NFL Draft prospects the team might be eyeing, there's plenty of Chargers news to discuss.

Chargers news roundup:

• ESPN's Bill Barnwell recently predicted that the Chargers will extend Justin Herbert this offseason. Barnwell projects that Herbert will sign a five-year, $251 million extension worth just over $50 million per season. This is the first offseason that Herbert is eligible for an extension, and the Chargers might look to lock their star QB up before the likes of Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts receive new deals.
• Former Chargers special teams coordinator Derius Swinton was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders this week as a special teams assistant. Swinton spent just one season with the team in 2021 before he was fired after leading a Chargers special teams unit that ranked 28th in DVOA, per Football Outsiders.
• The Chargers are reportedly doing their homework on Chattanooga offensive guard McClendon Curtis, per The Draft Network's Justin Melo. McClendon is a powerful guard prospect who stands at 6-foot-7, 340 pounds. The Draft Network's scouting report compares him to former Chargers lineman, D.J. Fluker.

NFL news roundup:

• Top NFL Draft prospect Jalen Carter returned to the NFL Combine on Thursday following his arrest earlier in the week. Carter is back in Indianapolis finishing interviews and measurements with NFL teams that are probably eager to speak with him.
• ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that the Carolina Panthers have contacted the Green Bay Packers about a potential Aaron Rodgers trade.
• Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman called out general manager Eric DeCosta on Twitter following comments from DeCosta that appeared to slight his team's receivers. All is not well in Baltimore.

MUST-READ: Ranking Justin Herbert and the top 32 QBs in the NFL