Chargers Seek Roster Upgrades After Disappointing Free Agency

Nate Gosney examines the team's options to improve through the draft and remaining free agents

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:41pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a Chargers football game or practice into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of powder blue, gold, and navy blue. The image conceptually represents the team's need to rebuild and refocus their roster ahead of the 2026 season.The Chargers' offseason moves are deconstructed into a cubist masterpiece, hinting at the team's need to rebuild and refocus ahead of the 2026 season.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Chargers had a disappointing start to the offseason, but still have time to bolster their roster through the 2026 NFL Draft and the remaining free agent market. Nate Gosney, a lifelong Chargers fan and football writer, analyzes the team's needs and potential targets to help the Bolts bounce back from an early playoff exit.

Why it matters

The Chargers are looking to build on their recent success and take the next step as a perennial Super Bowl contender. With a talented roster led by star quarterback Justin Herbert, the team has high expectations, so addressing their remaining needs will be crucial to their chances of competing for a championship.

The details

The Chargers have several areas they need to address, including wide receiver, defensive back, and special teams. While they lost some key free agents, the team still has the opportunity to find underrated talent in the draft and on the remaining free agent market to fill those holes.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just around the corner, taking place in late April.
  • The Chargers currently have only five selections in the upcoming draft, so they may consider trading down in the first round to acquire more picks.

The players

Nate Gosney

A lifelong Chargers fan and football writer who has been covering the NFL since 2022. Gosney is a Journalism graduate from Chaffey College and is now furthering his studies at Cal State San Bernardino.

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' star quarterback and one of the best young players in the NFL. Herbert led the team to the playoffs last season and is a key part of their championship aspirations.

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What they’re saying

“The Chargers still have time to improve their roster after a disappointing early free agency. Who are the best remaining fits in free agency and the draft?”

— Nate Gosney, Chargers Writer

“With only five selections in the upcoming draft, should the Bolts consider trading down in the first round to garner more picks?”

— Nate Gosney, Chargers Writer

What’s next

The Chargers will look to address their remaining needs through the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place in late April. They may also consider signing additional free agents to bolster their roster before the start of the season.

The takeaway

The Chargers have the talent to compete for a Super Bowl, but they need to make the most of their limited draft capital and remaining free agent opportunities to fill the holes on their roster. If they can address their needs, the Bolts could be primed for a deep playoff run in 2026.