The Los Angeles Chargers were part of the playoff field in the AFC this year, the team’s first season under head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz. But it was far from a perfect squad and the team’s 20-point loss against the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round was proof of that.
However, if this season did one thing for the Chargers, it proved that they are headed in the right direction with Harbaugh at the helm. What could the team use this offseason?
Hortiz and Harbaugh will have to get together and see which holes can be filled to take this team from a playoff contender to a Super Bowl contender. Though the NFL Draft can provide great finds, the Chargers must first navigate free agency.
Los Angeles Chargers’ top 4 positional needs this offseason
No. 4: Wide receiver
The Chargers will have Joshua Palmer and D.J. Chark hitting free agency but the team could afford to let them both walk as a new direction is needed at the position.
The big bright spot at wide receiver is Ladd McConkey, who was superb as a rookie. Quentin Johnston still has his limitations but he will be relied upon again next year. The challenge for the front office will be to find No. 3 and No. 4 options who could eventually pass Johnston on the depth chart.
No. 3: Running back
The Chargers must first decide if they want to re-sign J.K. Dobbins, who will be a free agent this offseason. He was far and away the team’s best back this season and even if he is back, the team just needs more behind him.
Gus Edwards had a rough season and Kimani Vidal was not used often and may not fit well in Greg Roman’s offense. Whether the team goes in another direction in free agency or takes to the draft for an answer, at least one big move needs to be made at the running back position.
No. 2: Defensive line
Many Chargers fans will likely want to see the edge rusher position addressed, but all of that depends on the direction the team decides to go with Khalil Mack, who is a free agent but is also reportedly contemplating retirement and Joey Bosa, who could be a salary cap casualty, though that would be shocking to see.
The defensive line spot has even more questions as the Chargers don’t have much in the way of stability at any of the positions. Morgan Fox, Teair Tart and Poona Ford will all be free agents as well.
The Chargers need to place some serious consideration in building a defensive front that doesn’t get pushed around.
No. 1: Tight end
Many teams survive in today’s NFL without a prolific tight end, but the Chargers could start to really unlock Justin Herbert’s ability as a passer if they got him a tight end who could open up the field.
The Chargers were connected to Brock Bowers in last year’s draft process for this very reason. If they could land Colston Loveland or Tyler Warren in April’s draft, it could be huge for this offense.
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