Chargers Fail to Aggressively Improve Roster in Free Agency

Chargers focused on depth and value over impact players, leaving holes at key positions

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Los Angeles Chargers made several moves in the opening week of 2026 NFL free agency, but their conservative approach to roster-building has come under scrutiny. While the team signed veteran players like Dalvin Tomlinson and brought back Trey Lance, they failed to adequately replace key losses like edge rusher Odafe Oweh, guard Zion Johnson, and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. The Chargers prioritized depth and cost-effectiveness over pursuing top-tier talent to elevate their roster around star quarterback Justin Herbert.

Why it matters

The Chargers are in a unique position with a franchise QB in Herbert, a competent coaching staff, and enough talent to be competitive. However, their cautious approach in free agency may prevent them from taking the next step and becoming a true Super Bowl contender. Losing premium players at critical positions like pass rush, offensive line, and secondary could hamper the team's ability to compete with the best teams in the league.

The details

The Chargers lost several key contributors in free agency, including edge rusher Odafe Oweh (4-year, $100M deal with Washington), guard Zion Johnson (Cleveland), and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (Green Bay). In response, the team signed lower-profile players like defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, center Tyler Biadasz, and guard Cole Strange. While these moves provide depth, they do not adequately replace the talent and production lost at premium positions.

  • The Chargers entered the 2026 offseason aware that they were facing potential losses at key edge rusher positions.
  • Odafe Oweh departed for Washington on a 4-year, $100 million contract after recording 7.5 sacks for the Chargers.

The players

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' franchise quarterback, who requires a roster that can share the load and not rely on him to solve too many issues on his own.

Odafe Oweh

A 27-year-old edge rusher who contributed 7.5 sacks for the Chargers before departing for Washington on a 4-year, $100 million contract.

Zion Johnson

The Chargers' starting guard who left the team to join the Cleveland Browns in free agency.

Benjamin St-Juste

The Chargers' starting cornerback who signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency.

Dalvin Tomlinson

A veteran defensive tackle signed by the Chargers to a 1-year, $7.5 million deal to add depth to their defensive front.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

With the NFL draft approaching, the Chargers will have an opportunity to address the remaining holes on their roster and pursue more impactful players to complement their star quarterback Justin Herbert.

The takeaway

The Chargers' conservative approach in free agency, focused on depth and cost-effectiveness rather than pursuing top-tier talent, may prevent them from taking the next step and becoming a true Super Bowl contender. The team's failure to adequately replace key losses at premium positions like pass rush, offensive line, and secondary could hamper their ability to compete with the best teams in the league.