Chargers Bolster Offense, Lose Key Defensive Pieces in Free Agency

The Chargers made several moves on the first day of NFL free agency, adding a tight end and offensive lineman while losing a starting linebacker and guard.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Chargers were relatively quiet on the first day of NFL free agency, signing tight end Charlie Kolar and offensive lineman Cole Strange while losing starting guard Zion Johnson and linebacker Odafe Oweh to other teams. The team focused on improving the run game and offensive line, while their defense saw the departure of a key pass rusher.

Why it matters

The Chargers' offseason moves will shape the direction of the team heading into the 2026 season. Strengthening the offensive line and run game could help the team's offense, but the loss of Oweh creates a hole in their pass rush that will need to be addressed.

The details

The Chargers signed Kolar, a blocking tight end from the Ravens, to a 3-year, $24.3 million deal. They also added Strange, an offensive lineman from the Dolphins, on a 2-year, $13 million contract. Meanwhile, starting guard Zion Johnson left for the Browns on a 3-year, $49.5 million deal, and linebacker Odafe Oweh signed a 4-year, $100 million contract with the Commanders.

  • The Chargers' free agency moves took place on Monday, March 10, 2026, the first day of the NFL's legal tampering period.

The players

Charlie Kolar

A tight end who was signed by the Chargers from the Baltimore Ravens.

Cole Strange

An offensive lineman signed by the Chargers from the Miami Dolphins.

Zion Johnson

A former starting guard for the Chargers who signed with the Cleveland Browns.

Odafe Oweh

A former starting linebacker for the Chargers who signed with the Washington Commanders.

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What they’re saying

“Adding fullback Alec Ingold and Kolar signals the Chargers are leaning heavily into the run game.”

— Fernando Ramirez, Reporter (Yahoo Sports)

“It will be interesting to see whether the Chargers address the [pass rush] position through the draft, pursue a cheaper free-agent option, or potentially set their sights on someone like Trey Hendrickson as other teams begin to run low on cap space.”

— Fernando Ramirez, Reporter (Yahoo Sports)

The takeaway

The Chargers' free agency moves so far show a focus on improving the offensive line and run game, but they will need to address the loss of a key pass rusher in Odafe Oweh to remain competitive in the AFC West.