The Chargers have spent their money wisely this offseason, preparing for a 2026 free agent class that should be full of talent. While they made a big move by bringing in Mekhi Becton to play right guard, their lack of investment at edge rusher kept the Chargers’ offseason grade in the middle of the pack. ESPN’s Seth Walder graded each team’s offseason on Thursday, giving the Chargers a B, which ranked 16th out of 32 teams.
Lack of Pass Rush Additions Dropped Their Grade
While the Chargers re-signed Khalil Mack to a fully-guaranteed deal back in March, the cost was more than reasonable. The 11-year veteran reportedly contemplated retirement following the end of the 2024 season. But, he ultimately chose to return to LA on a 1-year, $18 million deal during his first free agency experience.
While Mack’s sack production cratered last season (17.0 in 2023 to 6.0 in 2024), Walder called the deal “a fine cost for one more season of Mack.”
“His pass rush win rate was down to a below average 13%, though he has a long history of outproducing his win rate,” Walder wrote.
Whenever Mack does decide to hang up his cleats, the 9-time Pro Bowler and 4-time All-Pro (3 First-Team, 1 Second-Team) should get ready for a gold jacket.
But, Walder believes the Chargers should’ve pursued “a better option” at edge rusher in either free agency of the draft. With the departure of Joey Bosa this March, Khalil Mack’s return saved this unit from falling below average.
Mack was the only Charger to make ESPN’s list of the top edge rushers on Wednesday. But, he wasn’t even an honorable mention. He did, however, rank No. 10 on PFF’s list of top edge defenders heading into the season back in May.
“If anything, I wish the Chargers invested more in this area,” Walder wrote. “I’d have liked to have seen them pursue a better option in free agency or the draft.”
Most of the Chargers’ Offensive Moves Were Relatively Low-Risk
While the Chargers didn’t invest enough in their pass rush, they made solid, low-risk moves to maintain consistency on offense. Their signing of Andre James should provide some more competition at center at a cheap price. Walder wrote that he likes the “potentially strong pass protection James can bring.”
Their biggest move was to sign guard Mekhi Becton to a relatively cheap 2-year, $10 million deal. While Becton may not be considered an elite option, Walder called his contract “plenty reasonable.” That’s especially true, considering that he’ll be an upgrade over their other options, including last year’s starter, Trey Pipkins III.
“Last season, the Chargers ranked 25th in yards before contact on running back carries (2.2) and 26th in yards per contact on interior runs (2.0),” Walder wrote. “That’s where Becton, who successfully rehabilitated his career with the Eagles last season, can help. His 72% run block win rate was above average for a guard while his 92% pass block win rate was average.”
Walder wasn’t a fan of the Raiders selecting running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 6. But, he wrote that the Chargers’ selection of Omarion Hampton (No. 22) was “significantly more palatable,” given his draft slot.
With the addition of Najee Harris in free agency, the Chargers’ running back room should be improved from last year. In their 7 losses, the Chargers averaged just 62 yards per game on the ground. On the other hand, they ran for over 136 yards per game in their 11 wins.
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