The Official 2026 Chargers Season Discussion - (0-2)

[CanadianBoltFan]

I just want to watch a tough but explosive offense that puts NFL defenses on their heels. I want to see the full potential of Justin Herbert for once

We just signed Mike McDaniel...and likely only have him for ONE year

Let's take the Ferrari out of the garage

[sonorajim]

Agree, somewhat.

My problem with the high flying Mike McDaniel offense is its playoff history ... both on the road in cold environments.
7points against the Chiefs and 24 points against Buffalo.

Bills had 3 turnovers that game; Dolphins had 230 total yards.
Sure, Tua is probably not a cold environment QB: cold windy conditions severly exposes his lack of arm strenght.

I am open to what McDaniel wants ... like to see Keenan stay as a Charger fan, but in the end ... yeah, he probably doesn't fit a McDaniel offense.

And Harbaugh's Chargers had 12 pts against Hou and 3 vs NE in the playoffs. We suck worse. Or did. Can two losers make a winner?

It'll be different in a majority of respects. I'd keep 3rd and Keenan for stability.

[sonorajim]

You are not wrong

Game 1 against KC was awesome and got us all so pumped. But it was the pinnacle of the offense all year. Even before Alt went down.

We were playing with Slater out and Alt out of position. Which he played well. Game one. But we never had the bookend OTs and the Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton RB combo that GRo's offseason offense was built around. Damn shame. Hopefully Mike McDaniel makes it worth our while.

[powderblueboy]

And Harbaugh's Chargers had 12 pts against Hou and 3 vs NE in the playoffs. We suck worse. Or did. Can two losers make a winner?

It'll be different in a majority of respects. I'd keep 3rd and Keenan for stability.

Using Greg Roman has the measuring bar( ) is not the way i wish to go.

[Steve]

Well going crazy in free agency doesn't guarantee anything. Just signing players. The players have to fit together as a team. Granted if Hortiz goes crazy in free agency and they win, gladly eat my crow

You can also only keep teams together for so long. We are in a window, ... but how long will the window stay open?

[Bolt4Knob]

How long the window stays open? All depends on how well Hortiz builds out the roster and drafts. One of the reasons I want more picks is if you nail draft picks, you have depth for four years for players on cheap contracts which allow you more flexibility in free agency if need.

I get the idea of Seumalo or Zeitler at OG - but if Zion fits the bill with Mcd , the new OL coach etc - he is entering his prime years with Alt and Slater -meaning you can have the group together for 3-4 years more. Same with a Center like Linderbaum, McGovern or Fortner or a Rookie to match the WRs, TE and RB on rookie deals

Chargers on defense
If they bring back Oweh - they have Tuli, Oweh, Eboigbe, Caldwwell, Daiyan, Wax, Still, Hart, even Molden. Donte is a bit older I think and Derwin is but he has a good 2-3 years left. Really its only Mack and Perryman and my guess, Perryman won't be on the team. Mack is the oldest guy but I am sure he one more good year but if not, you have 12-15m of cap space to replace him. And replacing Mack doesn't have to be "automatic First Round pick" - it could be a free agent. Granted, they still need to draft Edge but its not a 1:1. Or maybe you use the money from Mack to upgrade DT or CB.

That is why Hortiz needs to do good work in free agency so the draft can be about adding the talent and not need - because if you draft for need, you will be drafting for need next year and the year after, etc. That is an oversimplification but I think has merit

[Ghost of Quacksaw]

Najee Harris is evidently an ex-Charger.

Try this.

https://www.tiktok.com/@gwttkbpodcast/video/7596009053449473311?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

[YAC]

I know some of you are experiencing crippling anticipation for my "Think Different" Roster Build .

For today, I got something better for you. It's the "Putting The Band Back Together" Roster Build. For this did I need draft Picks? Draft picks!? Don't need no stinking draft picks (OK, I used one later pick). All these players are true, for real, 2026 free agents, with one caveat. We needed a base player (fullback), so had to hunt down Gabe Nabers. At age 28, interning with the FBI...he seemed hungry to give it a shot.



BandBackTogether.jpg

[YAC]

All 24 roster additions/extensions have played previously alongside Justin Herbert...except the kid Zuhny. Was surprised what this roster cost, but it was worth it.

This 100% Could Happen!


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[Bolts4ever213]

OungMy thoughts on Allen, love him, but it’s time. Too many young wr need time on task. New offense will be adapted to our strengths, I don’t see Allen adding much anymore. Let the young wr and te get the reps.

[CanadianBoltFan]

Try this.

https://www.tiktok.com/@gwttkbpodcas...nder_device=pc

Thanks that worked

I always saw it as a foregone conclusion Najee would not be back.

This is an older RB with limited explosion to begin with, who had a ton of carries and mileage at Bama and then also at Pittsburgh for a few years, now coming off a torn achilles.

He will be signing a very cheap deal and may even be out of football soon. Popper and Money thought on their podcast this week he could be done

[dmac_bolt]

Yes but you been saying that for 3 years now. He is still productive.
McConkey played 838 snaps to Keenans 630. Tre Harris played 555 snaps and that should go up next season.

He hasnt been taking targets away from Ladd. Ladd had only 6 less targets in 2025 than he did in 2024 when he was our only weapon and he had 16 less targets in 2025 less than Keenan. But Ladd missed a game, Keenan did not and in that last game they were feeding him to get his bonus. To add to that, Ladds catch rate was 11% lower this season than in 2024.

Im fine with bringing back Keenan. Maybe trade QJ, get a pick and sign Rasheed. Seems Keenan is ok not being the guy and only started 3 games last season.

Pretty sure both Ladd and Keenan had more drops than Q in 2025 … not that anyone here noticed or anything … not sure that I’m right either lol.

I think if we have (a) an OC designing and calling better routes that gets more receivers open more often, and (b) more time from that OL, then the 2025 WR group was more than good enough to win a lot of games. Running it back wouldn’t concern me one bit. Keenan was cheap last year, sounded to me he’d be fine being cheap again as he knows he’s entering the twilight and would be glad to be a part of the team (money reasonable, of course).

A second receiving TE, a WR speedster to replace DD (returns and some WR snaps), and/or a fast twitchy situational 3rd down RB would be nice adds.