Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has several trademark sayings. But the one that has been most applicable this offseason has been “Competitors welcome.” We’re just a few weeks away from several key position battles that will determine their starting lineup for 2025. So, Daniel Popper of The Athletic broke down what he calls a “through-line in GM Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh’s second offseason: dart throws.”
Chargers’ Lack of Financial Flexibility Limited Number of ‘Dart Throws’ in 2024
In their first offseason together, Hortiz and Harbaugh entered the picture “with far less financial flexibility” than they currently have, writes Popper. But that didn’t stop them from making a few “dart throws” by signing guys like Poona Ford, Kristian Fulton, J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. But, as Popper writes, cap restrictions meant “they were facing far fewer chances in front of the dartboard.”
With fewer chances, the Chargers had less opportunities to build contingency plans at key positions. But, “they threw more bull’s-eyes than misfires,” writes Popper.
“Ford played like a star,” Popper writes. “Fulton gave them solid football. Rookie receiver Ladd McConkey was good enough to carry the offense at times. Tight end Will Dissly had a career year receiving. Safety Elijah Molden, whom the Chargers traded for in August, allowed the defense to regularly feature three safeties and move Derwin James Jr. around. Those are just a few instances.”
This year, with more cap space to work with, the Chargers “focused on dart throws,” writes Popper. That should lead to a much more well-rounded roster in 2025 with “multiple starting options in virtually every position group.”
According to Popper, their depth at the wide receiver position stood out the most during OTAs and veteran minicamp. Popper writes that Justin Herbert “had potential mismatches across the field,” compared to last season, when it seemed like Ladd McConkey was their only reliable option.
Who Will Be 2025’s ‘Bull’s-eyes’?
Popper acknowledges that the Chargers’ approach may lead to a lack of “star power” and “blue-chip talent” among certain position groups. But, he notes that there were similar critiques when LA signed Poona Ford last summer. “No one expected Ford to become that type of player,” writes Popper. “But he did.”
Obviously, not every offseason move will work out just like they had imagined. But, if the Chargers’ offseason additions can become consistent contributors, they will be in great position to make another playoff run.
The key position battles heading into training camp will take place at four crucial positions. I’ve already written about the battle for center and left guard between Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman. But, questions still remain in the wide receiver and cornerback groups.
At this time last year, the Chargers and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter “were kind of hoping somebody would emerge” along the defensive line, writes Popper. But, as Minter admits, the Chargers still entered the season using a committee on the defensive line. Once Poona Ford found his groove, the LA realized they’d found the answer.
Who will find their groove this season? Only time will tell. But, we know that Jim Harbaugh will be ready to make as many “dart throws” as it takes. “The Chargers, courtesy of their dart throws, will have heated competition at several position groups in training camp,” writes Popper. “That is by design.”
“The Chargers are hoping that competition will breed bull’s-eyes,” writes Popper.
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