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

[Fouts2herbert]

It means the high end players that will get you the highest draft picks possible - third and 4th rounder potential comp picks

Look at the free agent list - tell me who on the potential list this coming year would command big money

Now in a year, Daiyan or Tuli I think would be in that position if they hit free agency.

I agree with your last statement, health willing, next year will be good

IMO that's not the way that Hortiz will use the compensatory pick formula, at least not for a number of years once this team has so much talent that he has guys lined up behind guys ready to play for less money and still no drop in production type of situations...this roster is not anywhere near being able to withstand losing guys that will bring in 3rd and 4rth round picks in compensatory formula...right now the game should be to get those 6 and 7 round comps until the team is really deep with Hortiz drafted players...

OR, I would rather that Hortiz trade players that they don't see in the long term plan or that they can't afford to keep due to money reasons, trades can help fill other roster spots and net immediate draft capital returns without having to wait a year to get them...

[Fouts2herbert]

Surprisingly, Sports illustrated already has Oweh ranked 40th on the list of 2026 free agents and he’s on a trajectory to surpass that.

We get anything for Asante Samuels signing with Pittsburgh today?

the comp formula only works if the player signs during the window from the kickoff of free agency until a few days after the draft when that window closes, after that you could have ten guys go to other teams and it won't net you anything, just like signing guys after the window doesn't hurt the comps that you'll receive then you also don't benefit from those guys signing late except in that one exception like when the Chargers placed the weird designation on Jk Dobbins

[Boltjolt]

Surprisingly, Sports illustrated already has Oweh ranked 40th on the list of 2026 free agents and he’s on a trajectory to surpass that.

We get anything for Asante Samuels signing with Pittsburgh today?

No

[richpjr]

The sheer volume of FA we have in 2026 is going to mean a lot of guys will leave and have to be replaced so aside from possibly getting picks if we lose our assistant GM, we likely won't be getting any again.

[Lone Bolt]

The sheer volume of FA we have in 2026 is going to mean a lot of guys will leave and have to be replaced so aside from possibly getting picks if we lose our assistant GM, we likely won't be getting any again.

Man, I salivate to think what Joe can do with the two 3rds that Chad Alexandet would net us when he lands a gm job...and the success this staff has had roster building likely means that IS when...not if...

Hopefully this next offseason...

[Fouts2herbert]

The sheer volume of FA we have in 2026 is going to mean a lot of guys will leave and have to be replaced so aside from possibly getting picks if we lose our assistant GM, we likely won't be getting any again.

If Alexander leaves for his own GM job, it's a third in 2026 and another 3rd in 2027, under the new rules both can be traded now and they become effective immediately after he signs elsewhere, that's a LOT of draft capital that the Chargers don't have on the board ATM, it would give them a ton of options to make moves which could potentially generate more picks in this 2026 draft...

A potential QJ trade would be another move that would net a large return, probably in a big trade up on draft day in round one plus a player or more picks in later rounds type of situation, it's all speculation of course but my point is that the Chargers will most likely exercise more than 5 picks in the 2026 draft, one way or another they will probably end up picking 7-8 players in the draft, it could also involve trading down in the 1st or 2nd rounds...

I just find it hard to believe that Hortiz will only have 5 picks in 2026 regardless of not having compensatory picks, I think he's going to have ways and means to acquire more draft picks, I feel very confident that will be the case...

as for the song and dance of having so many FA players, Hortiz has already been thru it in 2024 with almost no money to spend and then again in 2025 spreading the money to acquire slightly higher tier free agents than he had pursued in 2024 and to bring back Molden and Mack...

The dreaded 27 member free agency list:

...of the guys on the list I ignore the restricted guys and the ERFA guys, that's 5 decent depth guys that are not walking out the door in 2026, that leaves 22 guys on the list...I can see the team signing a couple of them early to extensions, either before the season ends or right after and well before the free agency period begins, who those guys will be? I don't know, but it could be Zion or Oweh or maybe even Penning, NO IDEA...that brings the list down to 20 or 19 guys left to lose...BUT of that group about 5 veteran players will most likely re-sign with the team because they don't want to go play anywhere else, guys like Keenan, Mack, Perryman, Jefferson, and perhaps even Tart...

so now the list is down to 14 or 15 guys leaving in free agency...the team stands to lose guys like:

Lance--find a cheaper vet or maybe he re-signs low, IDK

Pipkins--let the forum rejoice as he gets paid elsewhere

Salyer--let the forum mourn his loss, I'll rejoice quietly at home

Hand--might return in leu of Tart?

Naquan Jones--I like this guy at low vet compensation, might come back?

St. Juste--Rodgers is waiting in the wings on IR plus we have Reed too...we're good at DB, not much room there with Jefferson returning...

Leonard--read St. Juste note but also a key STs player...

D. Phillips--also a key STs player...

Najee Harris--really? if he plays again it will be cheap, not worried about him leaving should be cheap if they want him back...

Conklin--not much to say about Hurst 2.0, Gadsden is the future and plus we probably draft more young TE talent to complement OG, Dissly, and Fisk

Andre James--has been a non factor, probably goes elsewhere as depth, this staff is obsessed with Bozeman

Sarrell--who cares

Josh Harris--if he doesn't retire he might re-sign, not worried here, we'll either bring him back or find someone else

Bobby Hart--might return as depth to compete with Deculus, might go somewhere else, IDK

Ogbonnia--I have to imagine that he'll go somewhere else for more money than what the Chargers will offer, I like Otito but he's been eclipsed by Caldwell and Egboibe as the future of our IDL


....of this group of guys the only ones that concern me are those that we cannot easily replace, like Lance, D. Phillips and Leonard for their STs, Hand, and maybe Josh Harris? this is not exactly an intimidating list of irreplaceable guys...

[Bolt4Knob]

The sheer volume of FA we have in 2026 is going to mean a lot of guys will leave and have to be replaced so aside from possibly getting picks if we lose our assistant GM, we likely won't be getting any again.

It is just not the Chargers - its across the league. So many teams have players signed to one year deals or contracts expire, this is the norm, not the exception. The key is do you have a CORE group that you can build around. And for me that CORE group is
Herbert
Hampton and now Vidal
Ladd, QJ, Tre and KLS
Gadsden
Slater and Alt
I guess you can include Matlock as he is signed

Defense is trickier
Tuli, Jamaree Caldwell, Eboigbe and maybe Oweh
Daiyan and Dye
Hart, Donte, and Tarheed
James and Molden

Colson and Kennard could be two players who really would be nice if they have improvement next year


So for me - areas of need
IOL -- for sure

DLine; bring back Hand, Mack

ST: Dicker the kicker, Harris as LS if he is willing and probably JK Scott

So I see that the Chargers have a lot but they do have work to do. But if they can somehow get IOL fixed - that will be HUGE!! You fix the IOL and the offense will "...take off, like a rocket ship, with a gleam in their eyes Men. With a GLEAM. As WE, two letters, powerful men, . W-E. WE"

[Chargers8491]

In regard to the 5 draft picks the Chargers have in the upcoming draft, I truly believe Hortiz will be trading (likely down) to acquire more draft picks. It appears this draft is going to be deep specifically in areas of Chargers need.

It's possible he could trade a player. I think the only player right now that could be traded is QJ especially with the depth they have a WR. Harris needs more playing time and won't get it with QJ still on the roster. Not sure I like that move but it's a possibility.

[Fleet 1]

Im still a big believer in the Accorsi draft/roster build philosophy...

Accorsi's draft philosophy is find a franchise-changing quarterback, then protect him. He'd spend a high draft slot on a left tackle, like the Browns did with Joe Thomas, but not for guards or centers -- positions he believes can be developed.

"And then you pick pass-rushers 'til the cows come home," he said. "You never, ever have enough pass-rushers. They mask a lot of weaknesses, and give you a chance to build a back seven [linebackers and defensive backs] while they're putting pressure on the passer."

He'd also take a big-time wide receiver high in the draft, but not a running back.

"I don't think you have to go out and get the greatest running back in college football. You have to have a good, sound running game," Accorsi said. He pointed out that Hall of Fame running backs O.J. Simpson, Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson and, until the end of his career, Walter Payton, never won a championship because important pieces around them were missing.

[Chargers8491]

If Alexander leaves for his own GM job, it's a third in 2026 and another 3rd in 2027, under the new rules both can be traded now and they become effective immediately after he signs elsewhere, that's a LOT of draft capital that the Chargers don't have on the board ATM, it would give them a ton of options to make moves which could potentially generate more picks in this 2026 draft...

A potential QJ trade would be another move that would net a large return, probably in a big trade up on draft day in round one plus a player or more picks in later rounds type of situation, it's all speculation of course but my point is that the Chargers will most likely exercise more than 5 picks in the 2026 draft, one way or another they will probably end up picking 7-8 players in the draft, it could also involve trading down in the 1st or 2nd rounds...

I just find it hard to believe that Hortiz will only have 5 picks in 2026 regardless of not having compensatory picks, I think he's going to have ways and means to acquire more draft picks, I feel very confident that will be the case...

as for the song and dance of having so many FA players, Hortiz has already been thru it in 2024 with almost no money to spend and then again in 2025 spreading the money to acquire slightly higher tier free agents than he had pursued in 2024 and to bring back Molden and Mack...

The dreaded 27 member free agency list:

...of the guys on the list I ignore the restricted guys and the ERFA guys, that's 5 decent depth guys that are not walking out the door in 2026, that leaves 22 guys on the list...I can see the team signing a couple of them early to extensions, either before the season ends or right after and well before the free agency period begins, who those guys will be? I don't know, but it could be Zion or Oweh or maybe even Penning, NO IDEA...that brings the list down to 20 or 19 guys left to lose...BUT of that group about 5 veteran players will most likely re-sign with the team because they don't want to go play anywhere else, guys like Keenan, Mack, Perryman, Jefferson, and perhaps even Tart...

so now the list is down to 14 or 15 guys leaving in free agency...the team stands to lose guys like:

Lance--find a cheaper vet or maybe he re-signs low, IDK

Pipkins--let the forum rejoice as he gets paid elsewhere

Salyer--let the forum mourn his loss, I'll rejoice quietly at home

Hand--might return in leu of Tart?

Naquan Jones--I like this guy at low vet compensation, might come back?

St. Juste--Rodgers is waiting in the wings on IR plus we have Reed too...we're good at DB, not much room there with Jefferson returning...

Leonard--read St. Juste note but also a key STs player...

D. Phillips--also a key STs player...

Najee Harris--really? if he plays again it will be cheap, not worried about him leaving should be cheap if they want him back...

Conklin--not much to say about Hurst 2.0, Gadsden is the future and plus we probably draft more young TE talent to complement OG, Dissly, and Fisk

Andre James--has been a non factor, probably goes elsewhere as depth, this staff is obsessed with Bozeman

Sarrell--who cares

Josh Harris--if he doesn't retire he might re-sign, not worried here, we'll either bring him back or find someone else

Bobby Hart--might return as depth to compete with Deculus, might go somewhere else, IDK

Ogbonnia--I have to imagine that he'll go somewhere else for more money than what the Chargers will offer, I like Otito but he's been eclipsed by Caldwell and Egboibe as the future of our IDL


....of this group of guys the only ones that concern me are those that we cannot easily replace, like Lance, D. Phillips and Leonard for their STs, Hand, and maybe Josh Harris? this is not exactly an intimidating list of irreplaceable guys...

Lot of good info here. Not going to go line by line because it's a good assessment. I will say the Chargers will have $111m in cap space and will likely retain a lot of these players. I specifically expect them to re-sign Hand, Jones, and Tart. The rest not so sure about. I think he might see a huge turnover this year specifically on the oline.

[Fouts2herbert]

It is just not the Chargers - its across the league. So many teams have players signed to one year deals or contracts expire, this is the norm, not the exception. The key is do you have a CORE group that you can build around. And for me that CORE group is
Herbert
Hampton and now Vidal
Ladd, QJ, Tre and KLS
Gadsden
Slater and Alt
I guess you can include Matlock as he is signed

Defense is trickier
Tuli, Jamaree Caldwell, Eboigbe and maybe Oweh
Daiyan and Dye
Hart, Donte, and Tarheed
James and Molden

Colson and Kennard could be two players who really would be nice if they have improvement next year


So for me - areas of need
IOL -- for sure

DLine; bring back Hand, Mack

ST: Dicker the kicker, Harris as LS if he is willing and probably JK Scott

So I see that the Chargers have a lot but they do have work to do. But if they can somehow get IOL fixed - that will be HUGE!! You fix the IOL and the offense will "...take off, like a rocket ship, with a gleam in their eyes Men. With a GLEAM. As WE, two letters, powerful men, . W-E. WE"

Yes the Core group is the key to why the 2026 team could become the best since 2006...the team's core has gotten younger since Hortiz took over too...

QB Herbert
RB Hampton and Vidal young 1-2 punch could be great duo for years to come...
FB Mattlock, he's improving as a blocker, he's gotten a lot of leeway to learn on the job, they really like him and he's slowly starting to make key blocks here and there...also young and cheap...
TE Gadsden is the best TE we've had since Hunter Henry and I think he will be a lot better than Henry was, Fisk is also the perfect blocking TE, both young guys should be around for years...
OT Slater and Alt will become the best OT tandem in the NFL in 2026...young guys should be around for a good while yet...
OG Zion has arrived IMO, I don't know that Becton has a future on this team, too much going on with lower leg issues, we'll see, Zion should be around for years...draft for depth in 2026...
C this is an empty spot on the roster, should be a priority high in the 2026 draft, Bozeman can stick around as vet backup?
WR this team is loaded, Ladd, QJ, Harris, KLS, DD, all young and most of them should be around for the long haul...

Edge Tuli has arrived should be around for years to come, what Egboibe has done on the inside gives me hope that Kennard will do the same at Edge in 2026...I expect Edge to be drafted high tho...
IDL. Caldwell and Egboibe are establishing themselves as mainstays for years to come, more depth will come via the draft...
LB. Henley, Dye, and Wax could be on the team for years to come, we might still get something from Colson too, lookin healthy at LB...
S. James might be getting older but he along with Molden and Mickens are your core guys...
CB. Still, Hart, Reed, and Rodgers young core of guys that all tackle and cover well Jackson will be gone after 2026...

[Chargers8491]

Im still a big believer in the Accorsi draft/roster build philosophy...

Accorsi's draft philosophy is find a franchise-changing quarterback, then protect him. He'd spend a high draft slot on a left tackle, like the Browns did with Joe Thomas, but not for guards or centers -- positions he believes can be developed.

"And then you pick pass-rushers 'til the cows come home," he said. "You never, ever have enough pass-rushers. They mask a lot of weaknesses, and give you a chance to build a back seven [linebackers and defensive backs] while they're putting pressure on the passer."

He'd also take a big-time wide receiver high in the draft, but not a running back.

"I don't think you have to go out and get the greatest running back in college football. You have to have a good, sound running game," Accorsi said. He pointed out that Hall of Fame running backs O.J. Simpson, Barry Sanders, Eric Dickerson and, until the end of his career, Walter Payton, never won a championship because important pieces around them were missing.

I think I would add DT's to the list as well especially in Minter's defense. Edge and DT's.