Official 2025 Chargers Discussion | 2025 Roster Build | Free Agency and Draft

[Boltjolt]

So we could have fixed two positions instead of fixing two positions?

Bowers is a big fix. Rosengarten is a big fix, McMillin is a fix/ addition. Bowers being the big prize leaving Dissley where he belonged.

Once again no TE in this draft is close to Bowers. Probably for years going forward he will be the best TE.

Herb has two big weapons instead of one if we have drafted McMillin. Now we still looking at getting receivers two TEs.

I'm happy with what we got, just could of been a little better.

[Bolt4Knob]

I get your point and we could go out and throw a monster contract at someone like Higgins (who I'd love to have), but if that limits what we can do for things like fixing the IOL, is the team better? Or would the team be better if we used that money to sign Trey Smith and Allen? I would suspect the latter - and I'm one of the biggest ones complaining about our lack of talent at the skill positions. I'm skeptical we can fix all of our glaring holes in one more off season.

Now, I agree with that. My top target in free agency in Trey Smith... and I am not even sure who the second is regardless of position.
And yes, I agree - signing Trey Smith would probably limit the dollars spent on WR -- so yes, if the Chargers get Trey Smith and Allen is the fallback - I wouldn't dislike it. My point was more - are there other options for comparable money that might even be better

Like when I mention Zeitler - he would be a solid fall back option to be sure. But if the Chargers can get younger and better --even at a higher cost - that is how I go.

And you are right, can't fix all the holes in one off-season unless Hortiz nails the draft.

[richpjr]

Now, I agree with that. My top target in free agency in Trey Smith... and I am not even sure who the second is regardless of position.
And yes, I agree - signing Trey Smith would probably limit the dollars spent on WR -- so yes, if the Chargers get Trey Smith and Allen is the fallback - I wouldn't dislike it. My point was more - are there other options for comparable money that might even be better

Like when I mention Zeitler - he would be a solid fall back option to be sure. But if the Chargers can get younger and better --even at a higher cost - that is how I go.

And you are right, can't fix all the holes in one off-season unless Hortiz nails the draft.

This will be very interesting to see what Hortiz does in FA. I know Allen wants to come back, but he showed last year he wasn't willing to stay at a reduced rate so who knows if he would even be will to accept a "reasonable" contract.

[Boltjolt]

This will be very interesting to see what Hortiz does in FA. I know Allen wants to come back, but he showed last year he wasn't willing to stay at a reduced rate so who knows if he would even be will to accept a "reasonable" contract.

Well he has no rate now lol,. ...and after spending a season in Chicago, maybe he is more willing. He sees how the team has progressed as well.

[sonorajim]

Mack is back!!!!!!

He says he'll play this year. Where isn't set yet. Legal tampering starts Mar 10.

[charger1_sj]

Now, I agree with that. My top target in free agency in Trey Smith... and I am not even sure who the second is regardless of position.
And yes, I agree - signing Trey Smith would probably limit the dollars spent on WR -- so yes, if the Chargers get Trey Smith and Allen is the fallback - I wouldn't dislike it. My point was more - are there other options for comparable money that might even be better

Like when I mention Zeitler - he would be a solid fall back option to be sure. But if the Chargers can get younger and better --even at a higher cost - that is how I go.

And you are right, can't fix all the holes in one off-season unless Hortiz nails the draft.

Disagree with the bolded. Projected salary cap available is about $65M. But if we cut ties with Pipkins, Bosa and maybe some others that easily goes to $90M.
There is a lot of damage Hortiz can do with $65-90M.

But I'm just not sure he's going to spend a whole lot of money on a WR. Better to build through the draft with younger skill guys. Fix that O line with some vets.
Draft some edge and DL guys and we should be set. What we do @ TE is also interesting. There will be several TE available through FA. I would prefer a
draftee, but we do need other positions.

[richpjr]

[Bolt4Knob]

I would not be against trading for DK Metcalf. It would probably cost a 2nd and another pick. Still averaged 15 ypc --- so would be the type of WR to pair opposite Ladd thats for sure

[richpjr]

Disagree with the bolded. Projected salary cap available is about $65M. But if we cut ties with Pipkins, Bosa and maybe some others that easily goes to $90M.
There is a lot of damage Hortiz can do with $65-90M.

But I'm just not sure he's going to spend a whole lot of money on a WR. Better to build through the draft with younger skill guys. Fix that O line with some vets.
Draft some edge and DL guys and we should be set. What we do @ TE is also interesting. There will be several TE available through FA. I would prefer a
draftee, but we do need other positions.

The Chargers have 30 FA so unless you think we are going to sign a whole bunch of players for the veteran minimum there isn't as much left as it seems. Cutting Pipkins and Bosa makes that worse.

[Bolt4Knob]

Disagree with the bolded. Projected salary cap available is about $65M. But if we cut ties with Pipkins, Bosa and maybe some others that easily goes to $90M.
There is a lot of damage Hortiz can do with $65-90M.

But I'm just not sure he's going to spend a whole lot of money on a WR. Better to build through the draft with younger skill guys. Fix that O line with some vets.
Draft some edge and DL guys and we should be set. What we do @ TE is also interesting. There will be several TE available through FA. I would prefer a
draftee, but we do need other positions.

You are correct - Chargers are at $63m - they release Bosa and Pipkins, that number gets to $95m (subtract costs for draft picks, in-seasin costs) - looking at $70m of net cap space

They can afford Trey Smith plus fill in around with other players

I think WR and TE should be through the draft.

[Chargers8491]

So, looking at DK's contract it would cost the Chargers $18mil for 1 year. They could either re-sign him or let him walk next year for a comp pick. The question is what draft capital would you have to give to get him?

[Bolt4Knob]

The Chargers have 30 FA so unless you think we are going to sign a whole bunch of players for the veteran minimum there isn't as much left as it seems. Cutting Pipkins and Bosa makes that worse.

For one thing, the Chargers are not bringing back all 30 Free agents. Many of which signed for the vet minimum so net to the cap at this point, neglibile
Two, the Chargers have 11 draft picks - so even if they trade a couple of those picks, probably 6 or 7 make the roster so some of those outgoing players will be replaced
Third - if they release Pipkins and BOsa - I don't consider it subtraction, consider it addition by subtraction , they are not good players - will have about $70m of NET cap space ( if you factor in the need to pay for the rookie draft class, practice squad and in-season fund)

They have more than enough cap space to sign 2-3 high quality external free agents plus keep a 4-5 internal free agents (Molden, Ford, Dobbins, Mack, maybe Ford or Tartt) and go from there

Trey Smith: $12m cap space - if they get somebody like Zeitler, even less
Center over Bozeman: $8
Joe Flacco: $4m
Mack: $16m - this might even be high for Mack
Dobbins: $6m
Ford: $10m
Molden: $7m
Fox: $3m
WR: $4m of cap space

$70 for the 9 names above. My numbers might be high for a few players but for Mack I was just thinking of a two year deal around $18 per year so the first year cap hit was pretty high. A guy like Trey Smith, this can worked be over more years so lowers year 1. Same as Molden and Ford. Plus if they rework Slater - can get another a bunch more.


Rest of the veterans will be like Dissly and Bozeman this year - the vet minimum