Chargers Offseason Buzz Includes Cut Candidates, Trade Speculation, and More

The Los Angeles Chargers have been relatively quiet in the offseason news cycle, but there are still several key storylines to follow.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Los Angeles Chargers have been relatively quiet in the offseason news cycle, but there are still several key storylines to follow, including potential cut candidates, trade speculation, and the team's upcoming 2026 NFL Draft plans. The article also mentions a former Chargers draft pick who has decided to come out of retirement, as well as a key deadline the team faces in the coming days.

Why it matters

The Chargers are looking to build on their success from the 2025 season and make a deep playoff run in 2026. Identifying potential roster moves, trade opportunities, and draft targets will be crucial for the team as they look to bolster their roster and put quarterback Justin Herbert in the best position to succeed.

The details

The Chargers have several big-name cut candidates this offseason, including offensive lineman Bradley Bozeman, that could help the team create additional cap space. The team is also facing a key deadline on the NFL schedule on February 17. Additionally, a former Chargers draft pick who surprisingly retired early has decided to return to the NFL, raising questions about whether the team will retain his contractual rights and have interest in a reunion. The article also mentions trade speculation and the Chargers' plans for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

  • The Chargers face a key deadline on the NFL schedule on February 17.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in the coming months.

The players

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' starting quarterback, who is looking to build on his success from the 2025 season.

Bradley Bozeman

An offensive lineman who is considered a potential cut candidate for the Chargers this offseason.

Joe Hortiz

The Chargers' front office executive who could be at the forefront of making splash moves this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Joe Alt is incredibly valuable, but only because he enables Herbert to have a functional offensive line in front of him — and that's the real value.”

— Sam Monson (Twitter)

“Derwin James is the best trash talker in the league, but Justin Herbert is a sleeper.”

— Cam Hart, Chargers CB (Twitter)

What’s next

The Chargers will need to make decisions on potential roster cuts and trades in the coming weeks, as well as finalize their plans for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Chargers are in a relatively quiet period of the offseason, but there are still several key storylines to follow as the team looks to build on its success from the 2025 season and make a deep playoff run in 2026.