Chargers free agency preview: Who’s in and who’s out?

After an inspiring 2024 regular season came to a blunt end for the Los Angeles Chargers, it’s back to the drawing board for all parties involved. An 11-win season accompanied by a playoff appearance was a step in the right direction, but LA needs to make some splash moves this offseason in order to compete in a competitive AFC conference.

The Chargers have 27 players set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason, many of whom were high-impact starters.

Running back J.K. Dobbins, defensive tackle Poona Ford, center Bradley Bozeman and outside linebacker Khalil Mack headline the group whose deals will expire, and should any of them decide to walk, their contributions will be difficult to replace.

Key free agents: who should LA keep?

J.K. Dobbins, RB: Keep

Coming off of multiple leg injuries in years past, including an ACL and achilles tear, it was hard to imagine Dobbins replicating any of the success he found early in his career with Baltimore. However, LA took a gamble on the fourth-year back, signing him to a one-year, $1.6 million prove-it deal last offseason.

Prove-it he did, rushing for a career-high 905 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games for Los Angeles. Dobbins missed four games with an MCL sprain late in the regular season, but put together his healthiest season in the league and served as a vital piece of Greg Roman’s offense.

Dobbins, who has lingering knee problems, will turn 27 in December. While LA could look to go in another direction with backs like Najee Harris, Javonte Williams, Aaron Jones and Rico Dowdle all set to hit free agency, getting Dobbins back on somewhat of a hometown discount would serve LA best.

Players like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry have seemingly reset the running back market, as both proved this season that paying a premium price for the position can lead to huge dividends.

Dobbins, along with the other backs mentioned, will certainly have more leverage than last offseason when entering contract negotiations. While injury risk is certainly something to think about, all things considered, a reunion in Los Angeles feels ideal for both parties.

Prediction: Two-years, $12.5 million

Poona Ford, DT: Keep

The Chargers brought in Ford last offseason on a 1-year, $1.79 million contract in hopes of bolstering a struggling defensive line. Ford did just that and more, cementing himself as a key piece on Jesse Minter’s defense.

The seventh-year defensive tackle tied a career-high three sacks, totaled 39 tackles and even added an interception to his 2024 campaign.

Ford’s season may not pop on the stat sheet, but he was a key contributor to LA’s defensive turnaround, a group that ranked 11th in the NFL. His 5-foot-11, 311 lb frame helped clog gaps and lanes in the trenches, acting as a key game-wrecker up front.

Ford earned an 85.1 PFF grade in 2024, fifth among interior defenders.

The 29-year-old will be a hot commodity this free agency, especially coming off of such a cheap deal. Ford has been a perfect fit for the Chargers, schematically and culturally, so it is hard to imagine they let him walk out the door.

Prediction: Two-years, $18 million

Bradley Bozeman, C: Go

Bozeman, who signed a one-year deal with LA last offseason to replace the retiring Corey Linsley, did not materialize into the player the Chargers were hoping for.

Bozeman started all 18 games for the Chargers in 2024 and led the team in offensive snaps with 1,057. While not necessarily a liability, he was a part of a subpar interior offensive line.

The seventh-year center was decent in the run game, often assisting in springing big-time runs, especially when he got to the second level. However, Bozeman struggled in pass protection, ranking 53 out of 64 qualifying centers in this category, according to PFF.

Center is a position where the Chargers can afford to make a splash. With two franchise tackles in Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, it is vital that LA strengthens the interior of its line and Bozeman is simply not the long term answer.

Khalil Mack, OLB: Go

Based on name value it is hard to imagine LA parting with Mack, especially considering his 17-sack season just a year ago.

The former Defensive Player of the Year flirted with retirement early in the off-season, but recently declared he will play in 2025.

Mack was not as statistically efficient as years past, finishing 2024 with six sacks and 39 total tackles in 16 games. While Mack has had somewhat of a career resurgence in LA, his price tag will likely be too high to justify extending the 33-year-old.

He may not be looking for a long-term deal given his considering retirement, but it is hard to imagine Mack’s best years are ahead of him and Los Angeles is best suited addressing the outside linebacker position via free agency or the draft.

Free agent and trade targets:

Perhaps LA’s biggest need in order to reach the next level is a true No. 1 receiver.

Second-round pick Ladd McConkey blossomed into a high-level slot receiver in his rookie season, leading the team with 82 receptions, 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. McConkey was the only bright spot offensively for LA in its 32-12 Wildcard Round loss to the Texans, setting a rookie playoff record with 197 receiving yards.

Aside from McConkey, there is little to write home about. While former first round pick Quentin Johnston had somewhat of a bounce back year after an egregious rookie campaign, he still struggles with separation and drops.

It is also worth noting that Joshua Palmer, whom quarterback Justin Herbert does have some chemistry with given their four years together, is set to be a free agent.

As good as McConkey was in 2024, it will simply not be enough moving forward. Los Angeles must invest in a true, outside receiver to complement the rookie and this offseason presents numerous targets.

DK Metcalf, WR, Seattle Seahawks:

Metcalf has not only been rumored to be on the trading block, he has been linked directly to the Chargers.

Due to a cryptic Instagram post and Metcalf working out with Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley, many believe the star receiver is LA bound.

Metcalf’s massive frame and elite speed would take LA’s offense to the next level. The sixth-year wideout finished 2024 with 66 receptions, 992 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. Although he posted a productive year, Metcalf has seemingly fallen out of favor in Seattle as second-year pro Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s stock has risen.

Not only would LA have to trade for Metcalf, a contract extension is also likely in play given the star receiver will be a free agent in 2026. Luckily, the Chargers have the assets to make that happen.

Potential trade package:

Seahawks receive: A 2025 second-round pick, 2025 third-round pick and 2026 fourth-round pick

Chargers receive: DK Metcalf

Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins:

Is it clear Hill is displeased in Miami after removing himself from the Dolphins’ Week 18 matchup against the Jets. He doubled down with postgame comments that surely upset the Miami faithful.

Hill is coming off of a down year by his standards, posting 81 receptions, 959 yards and six touchdowns. The 31-year-old speedster would give LA a downfield threat like no other and certainly provide a major boost to Roman’s offense.

Hill is under contract until 2027, so an extension could likely wait. This would definitely be the flashier move at wide receiver and one to monitor cautiously given Hill’s transparency with the media.

Potential trade package:

Dolphins receive: A 2025 second-round pick, 2025 third round pick and 2026 second-round pick

Chargers receive: Tyreek Hill

Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals:

Perhaps the most likely of the three, Higgins has played second fiddle to Ja’Marr Chase for four years now and it is expected he will earn No. 1 wide receiver-level money elsewhere this offseason.

Higgins has been linked to Los Angeles for some time, with many seeing it as a match made in heaven. The fifth-year pro put together a season worthy of a huge contract, hauling in 73 balls for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games, all behind the triple crown winner Chase.

The main concern with Higgins is his injury history. Higgins suffered three separate injuries in 2024 to his legs and feet, as the 26-year-old has had nagging hamstring issues throughout his career.

Besides this, Higgins has all the makings of a true No. 1 wide receiver, with elite ball skills and a long frame. While all three candidates would provide a major boost to LA’s offense, simply signing Higgins without giving up draft capital is the best course of action.

Prediction: Four-years, $120 million

Drew Dalman, C, Atlanta Falcons:

With Bozeman on the move, LA must address the center position.

Dalman, a former fourth-round pick of the Falcons, was the fourth-ranked center in the NFL by PFF. Dalman was the conductor of an elite run-blocking unit for Atlanta and is a perfect fit for Jim Harbaugh’s run-first approach.

The 26-year-old is listed at 6-foot-3, 300 lbs and would provide a long-term solution at center for LA. Along with Higgins, this would be the Chargers’ big splash of the offseason.

Projection: Four-years, $52 million

Milton Williams, DT, Philadelphia Eagles:

While LA should prioritize bringing back Ford, moving pieces on the defensive line are likely inevitable. Morgan Fox and Teair Tart, two major contributors to that front, are also set to hit free agency this offseason.

Williams, an Eagles third round pick in 2021, has burst onto the scene in 2024. With the departures of Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox in back-to-back years, Williams has quietly become a key piece on Philadelphia’s formidable defensive line.

Just 25 years-old, the Louisiana Tech product finished the 2024 regular season with 24 total tackles and five sacks. While not a jaw-dropping stat sheet, Williams is a stout run defender who also totaled 40 pressures.

With Philadelphia unlikely able to retain Williams due to his price tag, look for LA to make its last splash move at defensive tackle.

Prediction: Four-years, $75 million

Overall, a big offseason is looming for Joe Hortiz and company. With about $74 Million in cap space this offseason, LA should put it to good use.