As the Los Angeles Chargers turn the page from a disappointing playoff loss to the Houston Texans, the front office and coaching staff are already hard at work preparing for a pivotal 2025 offseason. With a talented young core led by superstar quarterback Justin Herbert, the Chargers have the potential to be a perennial contender – but they’ll need to navigate free agency and the draft with precision to take the next step.
Crucial Cap Space Decisions
Unlike last offseason, when the Chargers were saddled with a league-worst $50 million in dead cap, general manager Joe Hortiz will have much more financial flexibility in 2025. The Chargers are projected to have around $91 million in cap room, second-most in the NFL. That gives Hortiz the ammunition to be aggressive in free agency while also locking up cornerstone players.
Priority number one will be signing left tackle Rashawn Slater to a long-term extension as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. Slater has been a rock on Herbert’s blindside and the Chargers view him as an essential piece of their core. Getting an extension done this offseason would prevent Slater from hitting free agency in 2026.
Key Free Agents to Watch
The Chargers will have some tough decisions to make with their own free agents, including:
- Khalil Mack, OLB – Considering retirement but would be welcomed back
- Asante Samuel Jr., CB – Ascending young corner LA would like to keep
- Elijiah Molden, S – Versatile piece who shined on a one-year deal
Head coach Jim Harbaugh said he wants to keep as much of the team together as possible, but acknowledged that it may not be realistic to bring every contributor back. Still, expect the Chargers to prioritize their own key free agents while looking to supplement the roster with outside additions at positions of need like wide receiver, defensive line and cornerback.
Mining the Draft for Gems
Hortiz knocked it out of the park in his first draft with the Chargers, landing instant-impact rookies like tackle Joe Alt, wide receiver Ladd McConkey and cornerback Tarheeb Still. The Chargers will look to repeat that success in 2025, likely targeting a speed receiver, interior defensive linemen and secondary depth with their early picks.
With Herbert still on his rookie contract, the Chargers have a prime window to load up on cost-controlled talent. Hitting on a couple more draft classes could set up LA as a sustainable contender for years to come, even once Herbert signs a market-resetting extension.
“We didn’t achieve ultimate success that’s reserved for the world champion,” Harbaugh said. “But there’s so much good to build on. That creates a lot of excitement for me and Joe as we build version 2.0.”
— Jim Harbaugh, Chargers Head Coach
After boosting their win total by six games in Harbaugh’s first season, the Chargers hope they’re on the cusp of something special. But to get over the hump and become true title contenders, they’ll need to ace this critical 2025 offseason. With Herbert as the centerpiece and ample resources to work with, the pressure is on Hortiz and Harbaugh to shape the Chargers into a powerhouse. The work begins now.
