The Chargers made a pair of trades that gave them additional flexibility before submitting their initial 53-man roster by the NFL’s deadline Sunday. They traded cornerback Avery Smith to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick in 2027 and sent defensive lineman TeRah Edwards to the Carolina Panthers for a sixth-round selection in ’28.
It’s more than likely that more moves will be made during Week 0, with the Chargers’ season-opening game set for Sept. 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. General manager Joe Hortiz is fond of tinkering with his roster, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t do so again.
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Chargers’ initial 53-man roster, emphasis on initial:
Quarterbacks (2)
Justin Herbert, Trey Lance
Cut: DJ Uiagalelei
Lance won the battle to be Herbert’s backup for the second consecutive training camp, based primarily on his experience and his scrambling ability. The Chargers would like to keep Uiagalelei around, hoping none of the other 31 teams in the NFL claim him before he can be assigned to their practice squad.
Running backs (4)
Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal, Alec Ingold (fullback)
Cuts: Greg Desrosiers, Jaret Patterson, Amar Johnson
Desrosiers did all he could to make it difficult for the Chargers to leave him off their initial roster, rushing for 118 yards and a touchdown in their preseason finale, a 20-18 loss to the Rams this past Thursday. Zero question that Hampton would be the No. 1 back in Mike McDaniel’s offense. Scott Matlock, a fullback who doubles as a defensive lineman, was placed on injured reserve/designated for return.
Wide receivers (6)
Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Derius Davis, Brenen Thompson
Cuts: Sincere Brown, Dalevon Campbell, Liam Clifford, JaQuae Jackson, Gary Jennings, Devonte Ross
The chatter during training camp was that the Chargers needed to strengthen their wide receiver ranks by adding another veteran. But they didn’t bring back Keenan Allen or anyone else with tons of experience. McConkey and Johnston will be free to catch and run in McDaniel’s offense.
Tight ends (3)
Charlie Kolar, Oronde Gadsden, David Njoku
Cuts: Jerand Bradley, Johnny Pascuzzi, Evan Svoboda
Kolar was signed during the offseason to add another strong blocker to protect Herbert, but he’ll be counted on to catch passes more often than he did while with the Baltimore Ravens.
Offensive linemen (11)
Rashawn Slater, Kayode Awosika, Jake Slaughter, Cole Strange, Joe Alt, Trey Pipkins III, Travis Burke, Trevor Penning, Jacob Spomer, Logan Taylor, Alex Harkey
Cuts: Josh Kaltenberger, Laekin Vakalahi, Isaiah World
The Chargers went with depth on their offensive line, keeping 11, including rookies Slaughter, Harkey and Logan Taylor. Branson Taylor was placed on injured reserve/designated for return, so that makes 12 if you’re scoring at home.
Defensive linemen (5)
Teair Tart, Dalvin Tomlinson, Jamaree Caldwell, Justin Eboigbe, Nick Barrett
Cuts: Jahmeer Carter, Jacobian Guillory, Terry Webb
The Chargers thought so highly of Tart that they signed him to a new three-year contract in January, well before any of their other pending free agents. Barrett was a beast during training camp, especially in individual drills.
Outside linebackers (4)
Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Akheem Mesidor, Bud Dupree
Cuts: Andre Carter, Kyle Kennard, Garmon Randolph, Nadame Tucker
Mack is back for his 13th season in the NFL, his fifth with the Chargers. Mesidor showed why he was the Chargers’ first-round draft pick during an impressive camp. Tuipulotu continued to embrace an enhanced role. The edge rushers are one of the strongest defensive groups for the Chargers.
Inside linebackers (5)
Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, Del’Shawn Phillips, Marlowe Wax
Cuts: Lander Barton, Junior Colson, Emany Johnson
Colson was a third-round draft pick in 2024 but missed the entire 2025 season because of a shoulder injury. But he was caught in a numbers game at a very competitive position.
Cornerbacks (5)
Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson, Cam Hart, Deane Leonard, Rodney Shelley
Cuts: Nikko Reed, Eric Rogers, Isas Waxter
Cornerback featured another tough camp battle. Still, Jackson and Hart are expected to rotate at the position. Leonard is a capable cornerback, but he’s even more valuable as a top special teams player.
Safeties (6)
Derwin James Jr., Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, RJ Mickens, Genesis Smith, Kendall Williamson
Cuts: Noah Avinger, Devin Grant, Myles Purchase
James, Molden and Jefferson were the top three safeties on the depth chart last season, but Mickens, Smith and Williamson will give the Chargers significant depth beyond their top three. James is one of the Chargers’ four cornerstones along with Mack, Slater and Herbert.
Specialists (2)
Cameron Dicker (kicker), Josh Harris (long snapper)
Cuts: JK Scott (punter/holder), Peter Bowden (long snapper)
Scott is a vested NFL veteran, which means he’s likely to be back on the roster or the practice squad within a day or two as further moves are made. The Chargers made this move to gain additional roster flexibility.