Official 2026 Chargers Roster Discussion | Roster Build | 2nd Wave Of Free Agency

[Chargers8491]

When Harbaugh talks, he tells what he’s thinking so I listen. And he loves Q.

These coaches don't coach speak they tell you what they are thinking and what they are going to do. The only time Harbaugh coach speaks is when there is an injury and his answer almost always is the player is working through something.

[Chargers8491]

I agree. I think QJ will have the 2nd most receptions after Ladd and more than Conklin. The coaching staff have basically told us he is WR2

I expect big things from my adopted bolt this year and it was hard not to pick him, but I think Conklin with his skill set and the way they use TE's, he is set to blow up this year.

I think QJ can have a1000+yrds/10+TD season this year.

[Velo]

I agree. I think QJ will have the 2nd most receptions after Ladd and more than Conklin. The coaching staff have basically told us he is WR2

Harris and Gadsden may not exceed QJ's production this season, but in 2026 and beyond don't be surprised if one of these two become Hebert's #2 target. Unless QJ makes a monster leap forward like Nico Collins did in his third season. That would nice.

[Rugger05]

Day 7 Poppper report. Great reading about IDL, hopefully it isn't because our IOL just plain sucks....



EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers entered training camp believing they had improved the depth of their interior defensive line. As the physicality increased Thursday in the second padded practice of camp, that belief turned into reality.

The interior defensive linemen were the playmakers of Thursday’s practice. They created penetration and controlled the line of scrimmage in the run game. They were repeatedly in the backfield as pass rushers. And the disruption was not limited to one or two players. Six interior defensive linemen made impactful plays between run and pass situations.

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“There’s five, six, seven guys that can all play,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “They can all do the things that we want them to do.”

Teair Tart was the first interior defensive lineman to flash. Tart re-signed with the Chargers on a one-year deal this offseason, and he has a chance to graduate from a reliable rotation piece to a productive full-time starter. On the third play of 11-on-11, Tart pressured quarterback Justin Herbert while one-on-one with right guard Mekhi Becton.

In the next team period, the Chargers focused on the run game. They call these periods nine-on-seven. Offensive line, tight ends, fullbacks, running backs and quarterbacks against interior defensive linemen, edge rushers, inside linebackers and safeties. All running plays. On the first play of this period, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei handed off to Omarion Hampton. Tart surged through the line of scrimmage and squared up Hampton just after the exchange. The Chargers were not tackling to the ground, but it was clearly a tackle for loss.

“He’s really being pushed to the front of that group, which is awesome to see,” Minter said of Tart. “He’s got a great personality, and he wants to be really good. He’s working really hard. He’s doing a lot of extra to try to even enhance his play and enhance his conditioning.”
What You Should Read Next

Who is most important to the Chargers’ success in 2025? Counting down 20 through 11
Third-year edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu and rookie running back Omarion Hampton will be among the key players this season.
Minter later added: “For the first time for him, (he is) in a place where he’s really comfortable, where he knows what we expect out of him. He knows the defense going into his second year, and really (is) able to let his ability shine. He’s very talented. He’s got a lot of ability.”

Second-year defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe was a difference-maker in the run game all practice. He stuffed running back Kimani Vidal in nine-on-seven. Later in 11-on-11, with the offense backed up close to its own goal line, Eboigbe came off the ball and drove tackle Ryan Nelson into the backfield. The penetration obstructed running back Hassan Haskins. Eboigbe earned some encouragement from defensive line coach Mike Elston after that play.

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Eboigbe then had a tackle for loss on a Vidal handoff closer to the end of practice. He also created penetration on a Jaret Patterson run up the middle.

Eboigbe, a 2024 fourth-round pick, only played 26 defensive snaps last season. But he put on weight in the offseason, and now that added mass is translating to far more power in the run game.

“The weight has helped him,” Minter said. “He’s been dominant in there at times in different techniques, and I think he’s just got confidence. … When you see that work translate to the field and to how he’s playing, that’s really gratifying for a player, where the hard work that they put in shows up and allows them to play better than they played the year before.”

Chargers’ second-year defensive end Justin Eboigbe has bulked up and looks ready for an increased role. (Kirby Lee / Imagn Images)

Third-year defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia appears to have substantially improved his get-off as a pass rusher. He had one of the most impressive wins of the one-on-one period in Tuesday’s padded practice in San Diego, torching rookie guard Branson Taylor on a swim move. In 11-on-11 on Thursday, Ogbonnia shot through the line and combined on a sack with edge rusher Bud Dupree. (Dupree had two sacks in practice.) After both Ogbonnia and Dupree halted their rushes to prevent contact, Taylor Heinicke attempted an ill-advised throw over the middle that was picked off by cornerback Donte Jackson.

In a later 11-on-11 period, Ogbonnia had a quick pressure on guard Jamaree Salyer that forced a throwaway from Heinicke.

“That’s another guy that can make a big jump,” Minter said of Ogbonnia.

The Chargers lost interior defensive linemen Poona Ford and Morgan Fox in free agency. They signed Da’Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones, and they drafted Jamaree Caldwell in the third round. Ogbonnia is entering his third season with the Chargers and second under Minter and coach Jim Harbaugh. The added competition has only fueled Ogbonnia.

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“He’s embraced it,” Minter said. “Just really the epitome of what you want.”

Caldwell had a pressure on a bull rush and also showed off his strong anchor on a run stuff later in practice. Jones had a shed-and-stuff on a third-and-3 handoff to running back Nyheim Hines. Christopher Hinton even joined the party with a shed-and-stuff of his own on a second-down Vidal rush.

“That group as a whole is big, physical and understanding how we want them to play,” Minter said. News and notes


• Chargers who did not practice Thursday: tackle Rashawn Slater, edge rusher Khalil Mack, safety Derwin James, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, safety Tony Jefferson, cornerback Deane Leonard, running back Raheim Sanders, receiver Luke Grimm, tight end McCallan Castles, edge rusher Kylan Guidry, receiver Brenden Rice, receiver Jalen Reagor and edge rusher Garmon Randolph.

• Tight end Oronde Gadsden had a really encouraging block in the nine-on-seven period, sealing off the right edge on an outside run that cleared a big hole for Hines. Gadsden also had a third-down conversion reception from Herbert on an out route, beating safety Jaylen Jones. And the rookie caught an explosive pass off play action from Uiagalelei on an over route. Gadsden has proven at this point that he can be an impactful pass catcher at this level. What he shows as a blocker will dictate how much he plays this season. The block on the edge in the nine-on-seven period was a notable step forward.

• On that explosive pass to Gadsden, Vidal stepped up into a vacated gap and was stout in pass protection on a free rusher. Vidal struggled in pass protection as a rookie. On this play, he looked more comfortable, confident and capable in that phase.

• Linebacker Junior Colson had perhaps his best practice of camp so far. He had two run stuffs in the nine-on-seven period. Later in 11-on-11, Colson showed some savvy on a second-down blitz. He delayed his rush, pausing just long enough to fool the offense’s protection and get a free run on Heinicke. The pads will be on more regularly now, and Colson should provide some heated competition for Denzel Perryman, who has been the second linebacker next to Daiyan Henley with the first-team defense.

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“I’ve seen him playing really fast, him playing downhill, physical,” Minter said of Colson. “He made a bunch of plays today. I see him just getting his confidence growing, and part of it is also just the other players’ confidence in him is growing, which I think is cool to see. He’s playing great, and he’ll be right there. It’ll be fun to watch it shake out.”



• Henley continues to ascend as he enters his third season and second as a starter. He had a tackle for loss on the second play of the nine-on-seven period. On the next play, he beat tight end Will Dissly for a stuff on Patterson.

• Patterson had the first explosive run of camp for the Chargers offense. He gained the edge on a run to the outside right in 11-on-11 and took off down the sideline for a 30-yard gain.

• Rookie Stevo Klotz got some snaps at fullback with the third-team offense. The fullback job is still Scott Matlock’s to lose. Klotz also caught two passes in the two-minute drill from Uiagalelei — one on an out and one on a slant. The slant resulted in a third-down conversion that moved the offense firmly in field goal range.

• Undrafted rookie cornerback Nikko Reed picked off Uiagalelei in 11-on-11 and returned the interception for a touchdown. Reed has been a mainstay on the second-team defense and appears on track to lock up a practice squad spot. “He’s got a chance,” Minter said of Reed.

• The Chargers held a third-down seven-on-seven period in the red zone. Rookie receiver Tre’ Harris caught a 6-yard touchdown from Herbert on a crossing route, beating cornerback Cam Hart. Quentin Johnston caught a 4-yard touchdown from Herbert on an inside-breaking route, finding space between Perryman and safety Alohi Gilman in the back of the end zone. Tight end Tyler Conklin caught an 11-yard touchdown from quarterback Trey Lance, winning a jump ball against rookie defensive back Myles Purchase.

• Edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu was working with the first-team punt unit during special teams drills.

[Fouts2herbert]

I agree. Too much is expected from Gadsen, too early.

And yes Gadsen was mostly used in the slot at Syracuse, but he was also used on the line as a blocker ... he's not a stranger to the position.
I was not a big Gadsen fan because he looked more like a big receiver more than anything else, and just didn't have the heft.

Now, at 250 pounds and moving well, I am reconsidering everything ..... for some reason, Syracuse coaching staff wanted him at 225 (my estimate).

When the Charger coaching staff says that he's a better blocker than they imagined, and that his techniques are solid, I tend to listen.
The guy knows what it takes to be a pro from his dad and is showing up early, and probably leaving late with Herbie.

Probably on the beach guzzling beer with Kermit all day if drafted by the Chiefs, just to fit in .... 225 pounds + a 25 pound beer belly = 250 pounds

Just the Conklin signing alone elevated the TE room a ton, whatever they get from Gadsden is just frosting on the cake, I don't think they actually need him until 2026 when both Conklin and Dissly will be gone...

[Velo]

Day 7 Poppper report. Great reading about IDL, hopefully it isn't because our IOL just plain sucks....



EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Chargers entered training camp believing they had improved the depth of their interior defensive line. As the physicality increased Thursday in the second padded practice of camp, that belief turned into reality.

The interior defensive linemen were the playmakers of Thursday’s practice. They created penetration and controlled the line of scrimmage in the run game. They were repeatedly in the backfield as pass rushers. And the disruption was not limited to one or two players. Six interior defensive linemen made impactful plays between run and pass situations.

Advertisement


“There’s five, six, seven guys that can all play,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said. “They can all do the things that we want them to do.”

Teair Tart was the first interior defensive lineman to flash. Tart re-signed with the Chargers on a one-year deal this offseason, and he has a chance to graduate from a reliable rotation piece to a productive full-time starter. On the third play of 11-on-11, Tart pressured quarterback Justin Herbert while one-on-one with right guard Mekhi Becton.

In the next team period, the Chargers focused on the run game. They call these periods nine-on-seven. Offensive line, tight ends, fullbacks, running backs and quarterbacks against interior defensive linemen, edge rushers, inside linebackers and safeties. All running plays. On the first play of this period, quarterback DJ Uiagalelei handed off to Omarion Hampton. Tart surged through the line of scrimmage and squared up Hampton just after the exchange. The Chargers were not tackling to the ground, but it was clearly a tackle for loss.

“He’s really being pushed to the front of that group, which is awesome to see,” Minter said of Tart. “He’s got a great personality, and he wants to be really good. He’s working really hard. He’s doing a lot of extra to try to even enhance his play and enhance his conditioning.”
What You Should Read Next

Who is most important to the Chargers’ success in 2025? Counting down 20 through 11
Third-year edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu and rookie running back Omarion Hampton will be among the key players this season.
Minter later added: “For the first time for him, (he is) in a place where he’s really comfortable, where he knows what we expect out of him. He knows the defense going into his second year, and really (is) able to let his ability shine. He’s very talented. He’s got a lot of ability.”

Second-year defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe was a difference-maker in the run game all practice. He stuffed running back Kimani Vidal in nine-on-seven. Later in 11-on-11, with the offense backed up close to its own goal line, Eboigbe came off the ball and drove tackle Ryan Nelson into the backfield. The penetration obstructed running back Hassan Haskins. Eboigbe earned some encouragement from defensive line coach Mike Elston after that play.

Advertisement


Eboigbe then had a tackle for loss on a Vidal handoff closer to the end of practice. He also created penetration on a Jaret Patterson run up the middle.

Eboigbe, a 2024 fourth-round pick, only played 26 defensive snaps last season. But he put on weight in the offseason, and now that added mass is translating to far more power in the run game.

“The weight has helped him,” Minter said. “He’s been dominant in there at times in different techniques, and I think he’s just got confidence. … When you see that work translate to the field and to how he’s playing, that’s really gratifying for a player, where the hard work that they put in shows up and allows them to play better than they played the year before.”

Chargers’ second-year defensive end Justin Eboigbe has bulked up and looks ready for an increased role. (Kirby Lee / Imagn Images)

Third-year defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia appears to have substantially improved his get-off as a pass rusher. He had one of the most impressive wins of the one-on-one period in Tuesday’s padded practice in San Diego, torching rookie guard Branson Taylor on a swim move. In 11-on-11 on Thursday, Ogbonnia shot through the line and combined on a sack with edge rusher Bud Dupree. (Dupree had two sacks in practice.) After both Ogbonnia and Dupree halted their rushes to prevent contact, Taylor Heinicke attempted an ill-advised throw over the middle that was picked off by cornerback Donte Jackson.

In a later 11-on-11 period, Ogbonnia had a quick pressure on guard Jamaree Salyer that forced a throwaway from Heinicke.

“That’s another guy that can make a big jump,” Minter said of Ogbonnia.

The Chargers lost interior defensive linemen Poona Ford and Morgan Fox in free agency. They signed Da’Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones, and they drafted Jamaree Caldwell in the third round. Ogbonnia is entering his third season with the Chargers and second under Minter and coach Jim Harbaugh. The added competition has only fueled Ogbonnia.

Advertisement


“He’s embraced it,” Minter said. “Just really the epitome of what you want.”

Caldwell had a pressure on a bull rush and also showed off his strong anchor on a run stuff later in practice. Jones had a shed-and-stuff on a third-and-3 handoff to running back Nyheim Hines. Christopher Hinton even joined the party with a shed-and-stuff of his own on a second-down Vidal rush.

“That group as a whole is big, physical and understanding how we want them to play,” Minter said. News and notes


• Chargers who did not practice Thursday: tackle Rashawn Slater, edge rusher Khalil Mack, safety Derwin James, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, safety Tony Jefferson, cornerback Deane Leonard, running back Raheim Sanders, receiver Luke Grimm, tight end McCallan Castles, edge rusher Kylan Guidry, receiver Brenden Rice, receiver Jalen Reagor and edge rusher Garmon Randolph.

• Tight end Oronde Gadsden had a really encouraging block in the nine-on-seven period, sealing off the right edge on an outside run that cleared a big hole for Hines. Gadsden also had a third-down conversion reception from Herbert on an out route, beating safety Jaylen Jones. And the rookie caught an explosive pass off play action from Uiagalelei on an over route. Gadsden has proven at this point that he can be an impactful pass catcher at this level. What he shows as a blocker will dictate how much he plays this season. The block on the edge in the nine-on-seven period was a notable step forward.

• On that explosive pass to Gadsden, Vidal stepped up into a vacated gap and was stout in pass protection on a free rusher. Vidal struggled in pass protection as a rookie. On this play, he looked more comfortable, confident and capable in that phase.

• Linebacker Junior Colson had perhaps his best practice of camp so far. He had two run stuffs in the nine-on-seven period. Later in 11-on-11, Colson showed some savvy on a second-down blitz. He delayed his rush, pausing just long enough to fool the offense’s protection and get a free run on Heinicke. The pads will be on more regularly now, and Colson should provide some heated competition for Denzel Perryman, who has been the second linebacker next to Daiyan Henley with the first-team defense.

Advertisement


“I’ve seen him playing really fast, him playing downhill, physical,” Minter said of Colson. “He made a bunch of plays today. I see him just getting his confidence growing, and part of it is also just the other players’ confidence in him is growing, which I think is cool to see. He’s playing great, and he’ll be right there. It’ll be fun to watch it shake out.”



• Henley continues to ascend as he enters his third season and second as a starter. He had a tackle for loss on the second play of the nine-on-seven period. On the next play, he beat tight end Will Dissly for a stuff on Patterson.

• Patterson had the first explosive run of camp for the Chargers offense. He gained the edge on a run to the outside right in 11-on-11 and took off down the sideline for a 30-yard gain.

• Rookie Stevo Klotz got some snaps at fullback with the third-team offense. The fullback job is still Scott Matlock’s to lose. Klotz also caught two passes in the two-minute drill from Uiagalelei — one on an out and one on a slant. The slant resulted in a third-down conversion that moved the offense firmly in field goal range.

• Undrafted rookie cornerback Nikko Reed picked off Uiagalelei in 11-on-11 and returned the interception for a touchdown. Reed has been a mainstay on the second-team defense and appears on track to lock up a practice squad spot. “He’s got a chance,” Minter said of Reed.

• The Chargers held a third-down seven-on-seven period in the red zone. Rookie receiver Tre’ Harris caught a 6-yard touchdown from Herbert on a crossing route, beating cornerback Cam Hart. Quentin Johnston caught a 4-yard touchdown from Herbert on an inside-breaking route, finding space between Perryman and safety Alohi Gilman in the back of the end zone. Tight end Tyler Conklin caught an 11-yard touchdown from quarterback Trey Lance, winning a jump ball against rookie defensive back Myles Purchase.

• Edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu was working with the first-team punt unit during special teams drills.

I thought the Chargers had down-graded their IDL with Poona Ford gone and no more Morgan Fox. Caldwell is an unknown, it remains to be seen if he can pick up where Ford left off. I was beginning to think Eboigbe was a wasted pick. He didn't play many defensive snaps last season and you never heard his name called. So this is very encouraging to read, assuming it is valid.

[Fouts2herbert]

These coaches don't coach speak they tell you what they are thinking and what they are going to do. The only time Harbaugh coach speaks is when there is an injury and his answer almost always is the player is working through something.

In today's presser he went out of his way to say that DD is an offensive weapon now

I think they really like their core WR guys, Ladd, QJ, Tre, KLS, DD, and Raegor

[powderblueboy]

IMO, Lambert-Smith is going to fill the role that TBilly/Guyton did for Herbert in his early years, but a significant upgrade over those two.

KLS is on the bubble ...... might not make the roster.

And TBilly/Guyton are Charger legends - you are comparing a 5th round rookie bubble guy to them?

[Fouts2herbert]

I thought the Chargers had down-graded their IDL with Poona Ford gone and no more Morgan Fox. Caldwell is an unknown, it remains to be seen if he can pick up where Ford left off. I was beginning to think Eboigbe was a wasted pick. He didn't play many defensive snaps last season and you never heard his name called. So this is very encouraging to read, assuming it is valid.

wasted pick? talk about harsh, he flashed in the final preseason game agains the cowboys last year, during the year he looked like a raw rookie when he did get in the game which was rare and he looked a bit overwhelmed, it's way too soon to declare these kids busts in one year just because they didn't break into the starting lineup, most don't...what happened with Steal, Hart, Alt, and Ladd is not typical, all four played above that which most rookies in the NFL do...very rare to see four guys from a draft class hit like that and Colson and Egboibe are going to be starters too...

nobody expected Ford to have the season he had last year, sounds like Tart is poised to become this years Ford, looking forward to seeing what Caldwell, Egboibe, Jones, and Hand will add plus it sounds like Otito has improved too...all of this is very encouraging...

[Fouts2herbert]

KLS is on the bubble ...... might not make the roster.

And TBilly/Guyton are Charger legends - you are comparing a 5th round rookie bubble guy to them?

no bubbles for KLS...lookin like Baltimore should've let Hortiz pick the wide receivers in their drafts....for the longest time they couldn't hit on any...

[Formula 21]

Los Angeles Chargers Sign JaQuae Jackson


Jul 25, 2025 at 03:55 PM



Chargers Communications




The Los Angeles Chargers today signed wide receiver JaQuae Jackson. In a corresponding move, the team waived offensive lineman Elijah Ellis.

Jackson comes to Los Angeles after spending the 2024 season on injured reserve with New England. He initially signed as an undrafted free agent with Atlanta. Jackson began his college career at the California University of Pennsylvania, seeing action in three seasons (2019, '21-22), earning Division II All-America honors in 2022 before transferring to Rutgers for the 2023 season. During his All-American season for the Vulcans, Jackson recorded 77 catches for 1,178 yards and 13 touchdowns. A year later with the Scarlet Knights, he started 12-of-13 games at wide receiver, totaling 22 catches for 361 yards (16.4 avg.) and a touchdown.

[powderblueboy]

no bubbles for KLS...lookin like Baltimore should've let Hortiz pick the wide receivers in their drafts....for the longest time they couldn't hit on any...

How can you hit on receivers when you put the do not draft label on any who run a sub 4.5 40?

Marion Grice 4.67 - 40 at 208 pounds What was Telesco smoking on day 3?