Official 2026 Chargers Roster Discussion | Roster Build | Free Agency

[Maniaque 6]

Remember the good years the Ravens had ?
They ran through you and killed you with the long play.
I think is the way to go with that 2025 Chargers team.

[Fouts2herbert]

Our UDFA signings did not look that good back in April. It turns out they were top notch.

it was a strong class for sure...

[Lefty2SLO]

So, by my count the Chargers added 20 new players to the 53-man roster from last year via the draft/UDFA's/FA's. In the last 2 years they have completely overhauled the roster. It is/was a rebuild but they did quietly and remained competitive.

This year they got a lot younger and are now a lot deeper than they have ever been with still work to do. With that said, there are still a shit ton of questions marks left specifically Oline, Edge, Dline, RB, WR, LBer, and DBs. The reason for the ?s is because of the turnover, and we just don't know how they will play come gameday.

I'm not sure what to make of the oline. They are really good run blockers and believe a consistent run game will cover up some of the deficiencies. We will know by the end of the year. Regardless, I believe next year they will focus on the oline as it should be a better draft class next year.

So with Herbert and a slew of new receiving weapons we're going to be happy (and successful) pounding the rock? Don't think so, and I don't think NFL defenses will let them pound it. We will NOT have a consistent run game unless the they prove that they can protect Herbert. Defenses will play run first, stack the box and challenge the passing game (and protection) to beat them. Until our oline can prove they can protect Herbert adequately we're going to be treated as one dimensional, so it's not good enough for the oline to just be good run blockers.

Frightening thought of the day; Becton goes down (likely at some point, particularly since he's been hurt all preseason) - our oline then consists of; Alt, Zion, Bozeman, Salyer(?), Pipkins???? OMG

I like where the team is headed overall and we've made significant improvements, but the oline is a massive glaring problem and is likely to get worse as the season (and attrition) goes on. Sorry to be a downer, but I don't see a real solution this year. The only thing that would mitigate my concerns somewhat is if the starting 5 guys manage to stay healthy all year - and we all know how likely that is . . . .

[YAC]

So, by my count the Chargers added 20 new players to the 53-man roster from last year via the draft/UDFA's/FA's.

Yes it's quite a nice injection of young talent and fresh faces. From my personal database (trying to track everything)...

The new guys (21)...that's 40% of roster
9 rookies on the 53
11 free agents
1 trade acquisition (Deculus)

In addition...
-9 rookies on the practice squad
-5 rookies injured but still under contract (Two could still theoretically play this season)

I'm guessing your count of 20 didn't include Keenan Allen. Odd to think, but he is a new face for the season, so understandable to overlook.

[YAC]

I like where the team is headed overall and we've made significant improvements, but the oline is a massive glaring problem and is likely to get worse as the season (and attrition) goes on. Sorry to be a downer, but I don't see a real solution this year. The only thing that would mitigate my concerns somewhat is if the starting 5 guys manage to stay healthy all year - and we all know how likely that is . . . .

I sense most everyone here is equally concerned. Chargers need receivers to get open quick...and scheme the offense to get the ball out fast. Fortunately we have a few more targets who can help with that this year. I don't think we'll be any better than average running the ball, but a second year of Fisk and the arrival of Omarion will help.

[NoMoreChillies]

i reckon we see an improved running game. Pipkins was good at run blocking and now has Becton to road grade with. Sure its not ALT + Becton but its still good imo

[Chargers8491]

Yes it's quite a nice injection of young talent and fresh faces. From my personal database (trying to track everything)...

The new guys (21)...that's 40% of roster
9 rookies on the 53
11 free agents
1 trade acquisition (Deculus)

In addition...
-9 rookies on the practice squad
-5 rookies injured but still under contract (Two could still theoretically play this season)

I'm guessing your count of 20 didn't include Keenan Allen. Odd to think, but he is a new face for the season, so understandable to overlook.

Yeah. I think I missed KA and to be honest it was a quick count. I like your breakdown. It's amazing they have had a complete overhaul of the roster and have remained competitive. Not only have the infused youth but they have also infused speed which this team has been lacking for a while. This year is going to be a tuff test for this roster. It's going to be fun to watch.

[Chargers8491]

So with Herbert and a slew of new receiving weapons we're going to be happy (and successful) pounding the rock?Don't think so, and I don't think NFL defenses will let them pound it. We will NOT have a consistent run game unless the they prove that they can protect Herbert. Defenses will play run first, stack the box and challenge the passing game (and protection) to beat them. Until our oline can prove they can protect Herbert adequately we're going to be treated as one dimensional, so it's not good enough for the oline to just be good run blockers.

Frightening thought of the day; Becton goes down (likely at some point, particularly since he's been hurt all preseason) - our oline then consists of; Alt, Zion, Bozeman, Salyer(?), Pipkins???? OMG

I like where the team is headed overall and we've made significant improvements, but the oline is a massive glaring problem and is likely to get worse as the season (and attrition) goes on. Sorry to be a downer, but I don't see a real solution this year. The only thing that would mitigate my concerns somewhat is if the starting 5 guys manage to stay healthy all year - and we all know how likely that is . . . .

Yep and when they stack the box to stop the run they burn them with the passing game. Plus, having a consistent run game will improve play action pass which this offense is built around.

[Jack Burton]

i reckon we see an improved running game. Pipkins was good at run blocking and now has Becton to road grade with. Sure its not ALT + Becton but its still good imo

Today Money Smith goes over the 53 and talks about Alt at LT and how that affects the run game.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bleav-in-chargers/id1438750200

[Bolt4Knob]

So with Herbert and a slew of new receiving weapons we're going to be happy (and successful) pounding the rock? Don't think so, and I don't think NFL defenses will let them pound it. We will NOT have a consistent run game unless the they prove that they can protect Herbert. Defenses will play run first, stack the box and challenge the passing game (and protection) to beat them. Until our oline can prove they can protect Herbert adequately we're going to be treated as one dimensional, so it's not good enough for the oline to just be good run blockers.

Frightening thought of the day; Becton goes down (likely at some point, particularly since he's been hurt all preseason) - our oline then consists of; Alt, Zion, Bozeman, Salyer(?), Pipkins???? OMG

I like where the team is headed overall and we've made significant improvements, but the oline is a massive glaring problem and is likely to get worse as the season (and attrition) goes on. Sorry to be a downer, but I don't see a real solution this year. The only thing that would mitigate my concerns somewhat is if the starting 5 guys manage to stay healthy all year - and we all know how likely that is . . . .

My theory on the offense -- run the ball, well its always good to run it - but run it enough to make play action possible which also allows HErbert to go down field

Herbert is not a dink and dunker . He is one of the best QBs in the NFL with the passing game (or to quote Jaws and the smile, the VERTICAL DOWNFIELD passes) --- so the Chargers need to be able to maximize Herbert

So your point about the OLIne is valid. But maybe Hampton helps a poor Oline more than Edwards and Dobbins

[CanadianBoltFan]

My theory on the offense -- run the ball, well its always good to run it - but run it enough to make play action possible which also allows HErbert to go down field

Herbert is not a dink and dunker . He is one of the best QBs in the NFL with the passing game (or to quote Jaws and the smile, the VERTICAL DOWNFIELD passes) --- so the Chargers need to be able to maximize Herbert

So your point about the OLIne is valid. But maybe Hampton helps a poor Oline more than Edwards and Dobbins

Good point brought up. We have a QB that is one of the best downfield passers. Roman's offence is about running the ball and throwing deep on play action, not dink and dunk.

We need effective pass blocking to let that develop. Herbert can't have guys in his face in seconds

Posters who are talking about quick release passes to help the o line, dink and dunk, are basically conceding we dont have a good enough o line to run the OC's offense.

Hampton is a much better RB than we had last year who will break tackles and scare with explosive plays so he will help, but effective pass blocking is still a crucial element.

We will see in the coming weeks if they got it right this year in the off season

[Bolt4Knob]

Good point brought up. We have a QB that is one of the best downfield passers. Roman's offence is about running the ball and throwing deep on play action, not dink and dunk.

We need effective pass blocking to let that develop. Herbert can't have guys in his face in seconds

Posters who are talking about quick release passes to help the o line, dink and dunk, are basically conceding we dont have a good enough o line to run the OC's offense.

Hampton is a much better RB than we had last year who will break tackles and scare with explosive plays so he will help, but effective pass blocking is still a crucial element.

We will see in the coming weeks if they got it right this year in the off season

Excatly - we need the Oline to hold up long enough to allow the receivers to get downfield. And one reason I liked Adams more than say Allen at the start of free agency is I think he would have been better vertically. Well, I think Allen can now be more the "slot" guy and Ladd can get vertical along with QJ, Harris and KLS - maybe even Gadsden a bit Allen should be a pretty good target in that 6-12 yard range because the defense will have to pay attention to him and if they cover him -or focus on him, that will allow Herbert to go deeper

I do agree that Hampton, being a better pure RB than the guys last year - at least I think he is - will do more than they did.