Chargers' Offseason Moves Raise Doubts About Playoff Chances

ESPN analyst Ben Solak criticizes the team's lack of urgency in free agency

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:18pm

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The Los Angeles Chargers have been criticized by ESPN's Ben Solak for their lack of impactful moves in free agency this offseason. While the team did sign some players like Keaton Mitchell from the Ravens, Solak believes the Chargers have not done enough to improve their Super Bowl chances, especially on the offensive line and in their pass rush rotation.

Why it matters

The Chargers have not won a division title in nearly two decades and have not reached the Super Bowl since the early 1990s. This offseason was seen as a critical opportunity for the team to reinvigorate their roster and make a serious push for the playoffs, but the lack of significant moves has raised doubts about their ability to contend.

The details

Solak ranked the Chargers' free agency period as the worst in the NFL, citing their failure to adequately address needs on the offensive line and in the pass rush. While the signing of Keaton Mitchell was praised as a potential boost to the running game, Solak believes the team's other moves, such as the signing of Cole Strange, were questionable. The loss of Odafe Oweh in free agency has also left a major hole in the Chargers' pass rush rotation.

  • The Chargers' offseason moves were made in March and April 2026.

The players

Ben Solak

An ESPN analyst who provided a scathing critique of the Chargers' offseason moves.

Keaton Mitchell

A running back signed by the Chargers from the Ravens, who Solak believes could be a key part of the team's offensive plans.

Odafe Oweh

A pass rusher who left the Chargers in free agency, leaving a significant hole in their defensive rotation according to Solak.

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What they’re saying

“All football geeks grinned when it was reported that Mitchell, one of the fastest ball carriers in the league, joined McDaniel in Los Angeles. Nobody is more creative in the running game than McDaniel, and his ability to get Mitchell the ball in space behind blockers will create easy explosives.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

“The funniest part: Strange's signing will likely cancel out the fourth-round comp pick the Chargers would have otherwise received for losing Zion Johnson.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

“I still think the Chargers are quite a good team, but when they exit the AFC playoffs after getting dominated up front for the third consecutive season, I'll point to this month as the reason.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Chargers will have the opportunity to address their remaining needs through the 2026 NFL Draft in April.

The takeaway

The Chargers' lack of urgency and impactful moves in free agency this offseason has raised significant doubts about their ability to contend for a Super Bowl in the upcoming season. While they did make some additions, the team's failure to adequately address key needs on the offensive line and in the pass rush rotation could ultimately be their downfall.