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

[Chargers8491]

I look at an Allen return as an extra WR piece, not "the solution to our WR problem" piece. I don't know the right $$, but agree with you generally.

I know I'm not paying $11mil/yr and definitely not signing him until after draft. I would prefer they not sign him at all but that's not my decision. There are much better options.

[Chargers8491]

Adios Khalil 😄. Seriously I don't see anyone giving that for him. Well maybe Cleveland, but If he wants to win, he won't go.

Yeah, I was surprised at the 3yr deal. Can't see a team signing him for 3yrs at his age. I'm not sure how retiring works against the cap and dead money but I think that will leave a team with a lot of dead money if he retires.

[Bolt4Knob]

Yeah, I was surprised at the 3yr deal. Can't see a team signing him for 3yrs at his age. I'm not sure how retiring works against the cap and dead money but I think that will leave a team with a lot of dead money if he retires.

Retired or released - dead money counts the same
It is the base salary

Hence - why I think a contract that makes sense for Mack from the Chargers -- lets give him the same $19m he got last year
You could set up with as two year deal, $19m guaranteed, $38m in total
Signing bonus of $14m split in 2
First year salary of $5m - so that guarantees Mack the $19 - cap hit of $12m

Second year salary of $19 plus signing bonus produces a cap hit of $26m

If you want him back in 2026 -- you figure out the salary based on his 2025
if not, you release him with a $7m dead cap hit.


If Mack wants more guaranteed money - keep walking. Not locking in a guy at his age for two years.

[wu-dai clan]

Hortiz will.

I see your RG Membou is getting some attention. Explosive athlete, tremendous strength are frequently mentioned CBS has him ranked #22 overall

IMV he is a perfect pick for us @ #22.

[Bolts0503]

Cooper Cupp being traded by the Rams. Wonder what the Rams are asking(?)

[sonorajim]

Cooper Cupp being traded by the Rams. Wonder what the Rams are asking(?)

Good question. If the deal is right, it would be very convenient for Cupp. Seems like we might find room for him.

[richpjr]

Good question. If the deal is right, it would be very convenient for Cupp. Seems like we might find room for him.

He isn't the receiver he was a couple of years ago, but is still light years better than anyone not named Ladd on our roster. Still, unless it was a very cheap asking price due to his contract, I'd just as soon go after Higgins (costs us no draft picks) or draft someone in the first few rounds.

[21&500]

With Boss and Garrett---NO HELMET WILL BE SAFE IN LA!!!

[Boltnut]

Pass on Cooper Kupp. People's minds would explode if I told them that QJ had more yards and TD's last year.

[Fouts2herbert]

Pass on Cooper Kupp. People's minds would explode if I told them that QJ had more yards and TD's last year.

I agree, the Rams games that I watched last season it's obvious that Cooper's skills have declined significantly, he's way too expensive for Josh Palmer type production, folks need to think young, be patient and let Hortiz build his roster thru the draft, I'm looking forward to the next batch of Stills and Harts, no matter what position they play, Hortiz is going to find guys that nobody here is expecting, WR, TE, DT, Edge, whatever, Joe will find us some great players...we need to stop thinking retreads and older guys, once the team is more complete then at that point I can understand people wanting to add someone at the deadline or in trade that might help put the roster over the top, we're not there yet...

[dmac_bolt]

He isn't the receiver he was a couple of years ago, but is still light years better than anyone not named Ladd on our roster. Still, unless it was a very cheap asking price due to his contract, I'd just as soon go after Higgins (costs us no draft picks) or draft someone in the first few rounds.

He’s 31 now. He played 12 games, plus 2 playoff games in 2024. Same 12 in 2023. So he’s missing a third of games.

His variable cap is $20M in 2025 and $22M in 2026, then a FA with 10 yrs (reduced comp pick value). Sounds steep, given his increasing injury rate. He could answer a 2025 question, allow Joe’s draft to look late for develop WR and focus early picks on core roster strength. His forte, like Slayer, wasn’t raw speed but crisp execution. Idunno, seems random and unlikely to me. Just sign Slayer for 2/3 of that cost

can’t believe i just said that … lol

[Bolt4Knob]

He’s 31 now. He played 12 games, plus 2 playoff games in 2024. Same 12 in 2023. So he’s missing a third of games.

His variable cap is $20M in 2025 and $22M in 2026, then a FA with 10 yrs (reduced comp pick value). Sounds steep, given his increasing injury rate. He could answer a 2025 question, allow Joe’s draft to look late for develop WR and focus early picks on core roster strength. His forte, like Slayer, wasn’t raw speed but crisp execution. Idunno, seems random and unlikely to me. Just sign Slayer for 2/3 of that cost

can’t believe i just said that … lol

Well if some team pays Kupp $20m - that will be a surprise
Second the compensation for him will be a ham and swiss sandwich - meaning a 7th round pick or pick swap. Nobody is giving up anything of value since they know he will be released

Third - if the option is between Kupp and Allen at the same money- probably take Allen because Kupp has been injury prone.