The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a great first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh, finishing with an 11-6 record and arguably the number one defense in the NFL. Despite the success, the season ended with one of the more shocking turns of events in the league last year.
With a team and franchise that showed so much promise, this offseason was going to be important for the direction of the team. With all the moves they made, some will be more impactful than others. Let’s dive straight into the Chargers’ offseason, starting with a recap of last season!
Chargers’ 2024-2025 Season Recap
In the “Justin Herbert era” of the team, the Chargers have been one of the more talented teams in the league. However, it seemed year in and year out, the coaching was the problem. Last offseason, they signed former NFL and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, to coach this team and change the culture.
Last year, this was a double-digit win team that looked to make noise in the playoffs, but it would end in disaster. Despite rolling in the early part of the game over the Houston Texans, LA would be outscored 25-0 and would get blown out in the Wild Card round.
Offseason Departures
This team lost a great deal of talent, old and young. Faces that have been with the franchise for years, and promising players who some thought would be with the team in this next chapter. With all their salary cap issues, they released long-time Charger defensive end Joey Bosa. Bosa has been a solid player for many years, but his struggles have been staying on the field. They also lost Poona Ford and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. in free agency. Samuel hasn’t signed with a team, so there’s still a chance they bring him back.
To their offensive losses, LA lost DJ Chark and Josh Palmer in free agency. Chark has always been a solid player with great size, but has never been consistent in finding a home anywhere. As for Palmer, he has been a solid player for the Chargers since 2021. I was surprised when they let him walk in FA. However, Harbaugh’s teams have never been wide receiver-dependent.
Offseason Additions
This team is starting to resemble more of a Harbaugh-led team. Let’s start with the offense. LA signed former Steelers‘ running back Najee Harris and drafted talented running back Omarion Hampton in the first round. As for targets for Herbert, LA signed tight end Tyler Conklin and drafted Tre Harris in the second round. They also recently signed wide receiver Keenan Allen. Allen was with the Chargers from 2013 to 2023. Despite entering his 33-year-old season, Allen still has the talent to be an effective weapon in this offense.
Let’s turn to quieter additions. LA picked up guard Mekhi Becton in free agency. He is coming off one of the best seasons in his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. I previously mentioned this team had one of the best defenses in the league last year. To help with the defensive losses, they signed talented CBs Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste.
Opinions of Chargers’ Offseason
This team proved last season that they can contend for a playoff spot and be a team that no one wants to play in the regular or postseason. If last season is the worst this team will be, I do not doubt that moving forward, they will continue to be a tough, physical team. I love the moves they made. Harbaugh has been one of the best coaches in both college and the NFL. All his teams adopt his identity and are successful, almost immediately.
Final Thoughts
The NFL and the AFC need to prepare for the potential storm that is brewing in LA. They have the talent to contend with the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West and possibly represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. I gave my thoughts and opinions on the Chargers, but I want to hear from you! Do you think they made great moves this past offseason, and how far can this team go?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts on the Los Angeles Chargers’ improved offseason! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
