Official 2026 Chargers News | Acquisitions | Transactions | Injuries

[Chargers8491]

Good analysis...if the Bolts can add just one wideout in the draft and sign a decent FA WR, our wideout room will look better...

Thank you and I agree the wideout room will look better.

[Chargers8491]

Well said, it’s not a lock they stay at 5 or even go WR with first pick if trading down.

Thank you and I agree. I think there are a lot of good receivers later in the draft that will fit.

[Chargers8491]

Yawn. They have the guy with the biggest arm in the league handing off and throwing slants that QJ drops.

How has that big arm been working out so far? Look, they will throw their share of bombs, but it will be a lot less than what we have seen the last few years.

[Leslie Grossman]

FAs under age 28 to consider

Conner Williams C
Dalton Risner G
Tyus Bowser Edge if cleared
JK Dobbins RB if cleared
Julian Blackmon first 3 yrs FS, last yr SS
Rock Ya Sin CB
Max Scharping G
Kristian Fulton CB
Avonte Maddox CB
CJ Henderson CB
Josh Jones T

[jamrock]

Don’t understand the need to look backwards then. We went all out to rectify the past mistakes with the Harbaugh. Warren is just being a dumb ass right now.

Is he wrong?

[jamrock]

How has that big arm been working out so far? Look, they will throw their share of bombs, but it will be a lot less than what we have seen the last few years.

Worked out great if we did t have a defense ranked at the bottom of tbe league

[Xenos]

https://theathletic.com/5326462/2024/03/14/best-available-nfl-free-agents/

21. Tyron Smith, OT, Cowboys (33)
Smith is still a high-level performer at the toughest position on the line. He just has not been able to stay healthy. He played in 13 games in 2023, but that equaled his highest mark since 2015, and he missed 33 of 50 games from 2020 to 2022. When on the field, he is strong, displaces defenders with an explosive punch and understands how to cut off angles. His lateral range has suffered some due to the injuries, but his physical presence sends a message to the opposition. — Mueller


22. Justin Simmons, S, Broncos (30)
A surprising cap-related release by the Broncos, Simmons is one of the few safeties who has both size and speed. He’s a very good tackler, but he also excels in coverage. He keys and diagnoses well, showing good anticipation and reactions. He still has fluid hips and transitions easily in space, although he’s not as adept at man-to-man coverage as he was early in his career. He should be sought after by multiple teams. — Mueller


25. Chase Young, Edge, 49ers (25)
Young played well in the Super Bowl, but he ranked No. 24 of 43 qualifying edge rushers in Pro Football Focus’ pass rush productivity over his time with the 49ersand had pursuit issues in the NFC Championship Game against the Lions. Any concerns about effort seemed rectified against the Chiefs, and Young’s explosive performance should grab the NFL’s attention. Whether he returns will be a matter of price. — David Lombardi


NR. Mike Williams, WR, Chargers (29)
Williams played in only three games last season before tearing his ACL. He was targeted 25 times and had 19 catches, so the production was there. But health is a big question mark, as he has played a full season just once in seven years and entered the league with back concerns, and he doesn’t have the suddenness to separate or the fifth gear that he did earlier in his career. His size is a positive in his entire game — he does an excellent job of presenting a big catch radius and using his body to screen off defenders on slants and other inside routes. It also helps him as a blocker and running after the catch, where he can break tackles. I think his skill set would fit in a Shanahan or McVay offense where the route tree complements his strengths. — Mueller


26. Josh Reynolds, WR, Lions (29)
Don’t dismiss Reynolds because of his key drops in the NFC Championship Game — per PFF, he had only three drops during the whole regular season. He has size and a solid catch radius and made big grabs for his team all season long. He is physical, fighting through contact and drawing his share of pass interference calls. His speed is not elite, but he has the body control to get in and out of breaks very well for a big man. He should be a solid No. 2 WR in the league. — Mueller


27. Jadeveon Clowney, Edge, Ravens (31)
Baltimore proved to be the perfect fit for Clowney, who was looking to resurrect his career. He said he’d love to return, but he certainly earned a far bigger payday than the $2.5 million deal he signed with the Ravens last fall. In past offseasons, Baltimore has avoided spending big bucks at outside linebacker. — Jeff Zrebiec



30. Kyle Dugger, S, Patriots (28)
Dugger, a 2020 second-round pick from Division II Lenoir-Rhyne, improved slowly through his first few seasons. He nabbed two pick sixes in a standout 2022 season, but 2023 wasn’t quite as good. He offers precisely what many modern defenses seek, with the size of a linebacker and the athleticism to drop deep as a safety. The Patriots used the transition tag on Dugger, giving them the ability to match any offer, but they will not receive compensation if they decline to match an offer. — Chad Graff


31. Kevin Zeitler, G, Ravens (34)
Zeitler still sets culture with the Ravens by being physical and technique-sound. He plays with an old-school toughness but isn’t the same athlete he once was. His smarts and football IQ make up for any slip. He relies on his upper body more than engaging his legs and pad level, but he still has tread left as a top right guard. — Mueller


37. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Ravens (31)
Opportunities and targets were limited for OBJ this season, but his skills and talent are still evident. He can run, he has the explosive ability to separate and he draws pass interference penalties as well as any other player in the NFL. He adjusts well to off-target throws and catches with his hands on par with the league’s elite. Even with his injury history, there is plenty more in the tank here if he should desire to move teams again. — Mueller


42. Andrus Peat, OT, Saints (30)
Peat is a guard by trade but filled in well enough at left tackle this year that we are leaving him in the tackle group, but some might still see him as a guard. He is strong, powerful on impact and can lock on to sustain in both the run and pass game. He’s not fleet of foot but imposes his will with his frame and physical presence. He’s a better player than a lot of right tackles in the league, although all of his NFL experience is on the left side. — Mueller


44. Isaiah Wynn, G, Dolphins (28)
Wynn is on his second team after being a first-round pick of the Patriots in 2018. He has also played some at offensive tackle but found comfort and his natural position this year at left guard before getting injured in Week 7. He has all the physical tools to be a top talent, with both quickness and athletic ability, but injuries — he has played in just 50 of 99 possible games through six seasons — are a major concern. — Mueller


48. Bud Dupree, Edge, Falcons (31)
The Macon, Ga., native enjoyed playing close to home and had his best season since 2020. Dupree can play outside linebacker or a more traditional defensive end spot (like he did for the Falcons), which might make him a good fit for more teams. — Josh Kendall


50. Chris Hubbard, OT, Titans (33)
Hubbard was the Titans’ starter and full-time right tackle for nine games before injuring biceps and missing the balance of the season. He lacks ideal size but has excellent quickness and agility, particularly his lateral agility. He’s not well known around the league but is tough and consistent, and I love the way he competes. I think he can produce regardless of his measurables, even in the back end of his career. — Mueller


53. Laken Tomlinson, G, Jets (32)
Tomlinson, who was released by the Jets, can still be productive for a team if the price is right. He has adequate body control and balance to recover and even get out in space in the run game, and he has a strong punch and good anchor against the bull rush in pass protection. He’s also been very durable, missing just one game in his nine-year career, way back in 2017. —Mueller


54. Kyle Van Noy, Edge, Ravens (33)
Despite not signing with the Ravens until Week 4, Van Noy had one of the best seasons of his career, playing on a one-year, $1.4 million deal. He showed he has plenty of juice left, meaning he probably won’t have to wait as long to find his 2024 team. — Jeff Zrebiec


56. Alexander Mattison, RB, Vikings (26)
Mattison doesn’t have sudden ability when stopping and starting, but he can be evasive and make defenders miss. He has good vision to find holes and an effective jump cut if his lane is closed, with straight-line speed to bounce and get the edge. He has some ball security and drops but can be productive overall. His pass blocking is inconsistent. — Mueller


58. Marcus Maye, S, Saints (31)
Maye, who was released by the Saints, is athletic, smart and tough. He will take chances and chase shiny objects at times, but his instincts are usually pretty good. He just needs to stay healthy, which has been an issue over the last three seasons (28 games missed). — Mueller


59. Steven Nelson, CB, Texans (31)
Already a veteran of four teams, Nelson is a more experienced option at cornerback who had a solid body of work in 2023. He understands how to play and positions himself accordingly. He still is very light on his feet, can mirror in man-to-man coverage and closes with top-flight suddenness. — Mueller


64. Calais Campbell, DT, Falcons (38)
Campbell started all 17 games and contributed to the Falcons’ defensive turnaround. He finished the season playing at a high level and said he would like to play at least another year if the circumstances are right. His chances of re-signing in Atlanta declined upon defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s move to Jacksonville. — Josh Kendall


66. Stephon Gilmore, CB, Cowboys (33)
The Cowboys would probably love to have Gilmore back for another season. He played well in 2023. But already having Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland means Dallas will likely not be willing to spend much on its No. 3 cornerback. Gilmore would have to be willing to take something very team-friendly. Jourdan Lewis is also a free agent. — Jon Machota


68. Sua Opeta, G, Eagles (28)
Opeta started six games in 2023 (five at right guard) offering depth while the Eagles battled injuries up front. He surrendered 21 pressures, fifth-most among guards who played within his range of snaps (516), according to TruMedia, but he’s shown flashes to merit a chance to start. — Brooks Kubena



72. Tre’Davious White, CB, Bills (29)

Coming off of a torn ACL in 2021 and a torn Achilles in 2023, White is not as fast or agile as he once was, which shows up in man-to-man coverage. Given his decline in athleticism, he’s now best suited to play more zone, where he can use his instincts and reactions while playing with a cushion. He could still provide value, but his injury history is hard to look past. — Mueller


NR. Hunter Renfrow, WR, Raiders (28)
Renfrow was a Pro Bowler in 2021 after posting career highs of 103 receptions, 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns while catching 80.5 percent of his targets. But he has just 61 catches for 585 yards and two TDs since, as he missed time due to injury in 2022 and saw his role shrink with Jakobi Meyers’ arrival in 2023. That said, he remains a good route runner who could play a significant role in a high-volume passing attack. — David DeChant


73. Mason Cole, C, Steelers (28)
Cole plays smart and positions himself well. He can bend and adjust to moving targets with enough quickness, agility and balance to be a functional starter. He lacks the mass to knock people back and doesn’t stay connected long enough in the run game at times, but he should not have a problem gaining employment after being released for cap purposes in Pittsburgh. — Mueller


74. Isaac Yiadom, CB, Saints (28)
Yiadom had his best season on his fifth team in 2023, breaking up 14 passes while allowing just 23 completions on 47 targets, per Pro Football Reference. Through his first five seasons, he had just 13 PBUs while allowing 101 completions on 155 targets. He’ll have to convince teams that this season wasn’t an outlier. — DeChant


75. Julian Blackmon, S, Colts (26)
Blackmon is a very good athlete with range, easy and fluid hips and the ability to cover ground in the deep part of the field. He is what we call a “run and hit” guy. His center-field tracking and ball skills are top-notch, although his injury history is lengthy, including a torn ACL in 2019 at Utah, a torn Achilles in 2021 and a shoulder injury in 2023. — Mueller


77. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Patriots (29)
Zeke can still pick his way through traffic and put his foot in the ground to accelerate with conviction and pop. He still breaks arm tackles but might be lacking the breakaway speed he once had. He’s very good in the pass game on screens and dump-offs, getting yards on his own. He moves the chains effectively and could easily be considered a starting back for many NFL teams. — Mueller


78. Xavien Howard, CB, Dolphins (31)
Approaching 31 with a cap number of $25 million, Howard was released by Miami for salary purposes. His ability to mirror receivers in man-to-man coverage slipped in 2023, maybe because he wasn’t 100 percent healthy (he missed four games). His speed and suddenness to catch up was only evident in flashes. He would fit best in a zone scheme where he can play off technique and use his above-average ball skills and reactions to make plays. — Mueller


NR. David Bakhtiari, OT, Packers (32)
Bakhtiari has been a great player for a long time, and he probably still would be if healthy. But he’s played in just 13 of a possible 51 games over the last three seasons, as his surgically repaired knee has not cooperated. I’m not sure he’ll ever be fully healthy, which would make it hard to make the math work on a contract. — Mueller


83. Mekhi Becton, OT, Jets (25)
Becton is a large man who can create space on impact and cover up defenders on contact. He lacks ideal lateral range and the ability to recover when off-balance. His inconsistencies show consistently. His injury history is also concerning, even though he started 16 of 17 games in 2023, predominantly at left tackle — Mueller


84. Tre Herndon, CB, Jaguars (28)
A regular starter in Jacksonville in 2019 and 2020, Herndon has been relegated to the third cornerback role since 2021, playing predominantly in the slot. He doesn’t have an interception since 2019, but his experience and versatility will offer value somewhere. — DeChant



NR. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Raiders (32)
Garoppolo has long struggled with durability, playing a full season just once in his career (2019), and his play dipped badly in 2023, his first season outside of Kyle Shanahan’s scheme since 2016. He also has physical limitations and will turn 33 in November. All of that said, he has the experience and quick delivery to operate in a well-schemed offense, which should help him find work as a backup or bridge starter. — DeChant



96. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Titans (36)
Best suited as a backup at this stage, Tannehill can still process coverage, but his release seems to have slowed a bit. He is athletic and can be deceptively effective while extending plays or tucking and running for a first down. His arm velocity is average at this point in his career, and the ball does not jump off his hand. He can stand in the pocket, if protected, and make most NFL throws. — Mueller


99. Charles Leno Jr., OT, Commanders (32)
A one-time Pro Bowler and longtime starter, Leno has faded some after 10 years in the league, but he has 141 starts under his belt, almost all at left tackle. He missed four games in 2023 and is having offseason hip surgery, so he might not be in high demand. — DeChant


100. Cornelius Lucas, OT, Commanders (33)
Even though Lucas played less than 25 percent of the snaps for Washington (all on the left side) in 2023, his length and technique have proven to be very effective at combatting speed rushes and protecting on an island at tackle. He might just be a starting option for a needy team, or at least as a third offensive tackle. — Mueller


102. Yosh Nijman, OT, Packers (28)
Nijman wasn’t a regular starter in 2023, but he’s experienced on both sides, especially at left tackle. He has size, athleticism and the ability to bend, working to engage his lower body as a run blocker and pass blocker. He catches more than he punches, but he plays under control with the balance to recover. He has the length to play on an island and actually was effective against top pass rushers. He is hesitant at times to see and react to stunts, but that should improve with reps. — Mueller


103. Byron Pringle, WR, Commanders (30)
Pringle isn’t a household name, but he has a great combination of size and speed, plus reliable hands when throws come his way (69.5 catch rate in his career). He also has some juice as a kick returner. He could fit nicely in an offense that needs a speedy third or fourth receiver. — DeChant


106. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs (25)
The 2020 first-round pick, who has battled injuries throughout his career, wound up being the Chiefs’ primary backup to Isiah Pacheco. He really has a knack for making defenders miss after the catch, averaging 13.4 YAC per reception, tops in this group. He is quicker than he is fast and can gain yards when plays are not blocked as designed. — Mueller


109. Connor Williams, C, Dolphins (27)
Williams battled nagging injuries in college and early in his NFL career, and then he missed the second half of 2023 with a torn ACL. He has shown impressive stretches while playing guard and center, but durability is a significant concern. — DeChant


112. Quandre Diggs, S, Seahawks (31)
A quality player for several years in Seattle, Diggs was released for cap purposes. He still has very good instincts to key and diagnose run or pass, as well as excellent ball skills. But at age 31, he’s lost a step in coverage, and his tackling skills were inconsistent in 2023. In a deep safety class, his small frame and declining speed might lead some teams to look elsewhere. — Mueller


115. Tashaun Gipson Sr., S, 49ers (34)
Gipson has been a revelation for the 49ers since they signed him during the 2022 preseason following Jimmie Ward’s injury. The Niners retained Gipson for $2.9 million last season. With Talanoa Hufanga rehabbing from a torn ACL, another one-year deal might make sense if Gipson chooses to continue playing. — David Lombardi


116. Mark Glowinski, G, Giants (32)
Released by the Giants, Glowinski can still be effective in a zone scheme. He is smart, has good instincts and takes good angles in the run game. He’s not going to knock anyone off the ball but stays engaged and positions his body well to sustain. He’s a tough competitor who should make sense for some as a third guard option. —Mueller


118. Dalton Risner, G, Vikings (29)
Risner hit the open market last offseason and was not as sought after as he hoped. He signed with Minnesota three weeks into September and became a starter at left guard in Week 7. Pass protection is his strength. The Vikings are likely to want Risner back, but they won’t be the only team interested. — Alec Lewis


119. Levi Wallace, CB, Steelers (29)
Wallace had six interceptions and 24 passes defensed in his two seasons with the Steelers, who would love to have him back but won’t consider him a high priority. He shouldn’t be in high demand, which would allow the Steelers to snoop around for somebody younger with more upside. — Mark Kaboly


122. Geoff Swaim, TE, Cardinals (30)
Swaim is the best and most consistent run blocker of all tight ends in this class. He’s physical, strong and very willing — which should not be assumed as a given, even at the NFL level. He does the dirty work. — Mueller


123. Dalvin Cook, RB, Ravens (29)
Released by the Vikings, Cook flopped with the Jets before being waived, then went unclaimed on waivers and played sparingly for Baltimore in one playoff game. As low as his stock is now, he averaged 4.4 yards per carry in 2022 and doesn’t turn 30 until August 2025. — DeChant


124. K.J. Osborn, WR, Vikings (27)
Osborn had a disappointing season, dropping seven passes, according to PFF. But he was rarely the primary read, and he’s a strong blocker and runner after the catch. He’s probably in line for a short-term deal between $5 million and $8 million. — Alec Lewis


125. CJ Henderson, CB, Panthers (25)
Injured for most of the 2023 season, Henderson — who was a first-round pick by the Jaguars on 2020 — has the height, weight and skill set to be a quality cornerback. He just needs a larger body of work. He would rank higher if healthy. — Mueller


127. Krys Barnes, LB, Cardinals (26)
Untendered by the Packers as a restricted free agent last offseason, Barnes joined the Cardinals and flashed as a part-time starter, logging 55 tackles and six passes defensed in only 408 defensive snaps. Arizona has plenty of cap space if it wants to keep him. — DeChant


129. Michael Davis, CB, Chargers (29)
Davis has ideal physical traits. The Chargers saw those traits turn into congruous production only in spurts, however, as he excelled late in 2022 but struggled in 2023. A line-up-and-play, heavy-man-coverage system could be a better fit than Brandon Staley’s scheme was. — Daniel Popper


130. Jordan Fuller, S, Rams (26)
A starter from Day 1 despite being drafted in the sixth round, Fuller has been productive and does a good job of minimizing damage on the back end. He is not a dynamic athlete, nor is he physical, but he shows good understanding and instincts. He just lacks the burst and ideal play speed to be a long-term answer for the Rams. — Mueller


136. Adoree’ Jackson, CB, Giants (28)
Jackson is coming off his worst season with the Giants since signing a three-year, $39 million contract in 2021. His durability concerns (18 games missed from 2020 to 2021) continued in New York, as he missed 14 games in three seasons. He can still cover, and his flexibility to play in the slot adds value, but he struggles with tackling. — Dan Duggan


137. Tyler Boyd, WR, Bengals (29)
All signs point to the end in Cincinnati for Boyd, who should have a market among teams searching for a slot receiver. His reliability and savvy will be gold for any team grooming a young quarterback. He’ll probably end up with a multiyear deal in the $7-9 million per season range, which would be too rich for the Bengals’ balance sheet. — Paul Dehner Jr.


138. Randy Gregory, Edge, 49ers (31)
Gregory is still a talented pass rusher. He can turn the corner, but he can also turn straight-line speed into power. He struggles to hold a disciplined edge and maintain leverage against ball carriers and scrambling QBs, getting caught inside consistently. But his effort with the 49ers was good, and he could provide value as a situational pass rusher on a cheap deal somewhere. — Mueller


142. William Gholston, DT, Buccaneers (33)
Sturdily built with strong hands, Gholston has been a quality run defender throughout his career, playing base end in a 4-3 scheme or five- and three-technique in a 3-4. His snaps dipped in 2023, but he should still contribute to a rotation somewhere. — DeChant


145. Josh Jones, OT, Texans (27)
Jones filled in at left tackle, left guard and right tackle for Houston last season, allowing just one sack on 144 pass blocking snaps, per TruMedia. He could start or be a valuable backup elsewhere. — DeChant

148. Tyler Huntley, QB, Ravens (26)
Huntley didn’t play especially well in his one start this season, but he’s started some big games for Baltimore and does have ability. With a good chunk of the league looking to upgrade at backup quarterback, he could be an interesting option. — Jeff Zrebiec


150. Jamal Adams, S, Seahawks (28)
When healthy, Adams can still make plays, although he is really more of a Will linebacker than a safety at this point in his career. The problem is his injury history, which (combined with his salary) made his release in Seattle inevitable. Most concerning is that the torn quadriceps tendon he suffered in the 2022 opener lingered well into 2023, which would give me significant pause before I would consider signing him. — Mueller

[jamrock]

Has it been more exciting having two playoff wins in the last 15 seasons?

Fix the defense

[jamrock]

NO! No more possession types. Lets get a WR that puts some fear into defenses

You must not be familiar with Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh. They never had that guy

[FoutsFan]

Harbaugh and Joe realized they cannot beat KC in the next two years…waiting for Kelce to retire before they make their move.

if they bring back Mike William it will be laughable.

When are you starting the fire JH2 and JH3 thread?

[CanadianBoltFan]

You must not be familiar with Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh. They never had that guy

They also never had a Justin Herbert

[jamrock]

Imagine he’s happy knowing he won’t face as much pressure and won’t have to throw as much. Busted ribs and finger come to mind.
Thinking he will like trading in passing stats for more games won.
You will love him in a JJ McCarthy role😉

We should get the real deal then and trade Herbert and draft McCarthy. Since it's a complete tear down why not? Herbert's skill set isn't needed