The Los Angeles Chargers have made several signings this offseason, but they haven’t made the major move that many fans anticipated. While additions like Mekhi Becton and Mike Williams are notable, the expectation was that the team would use its ample cap space to secure at least one high-profile signing.
Instead, the Chargers have opted to take lower-risk chances on reclamation projects in free agency. One such signing is cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, who joins the team after multiple seasons with the Washington Commanders.
Washington fans were notably pleased to see St-Juste depart, which is rarely a good sign. Given that he has struggled as one of the league’s weakest coverage corners in recent years, it’s understandable why Commanders supporters weren’t upset to move on from him.
It’s unclear what exactly the Chargers see in St-Juste, and based on the details of his contract, they may not be entirely sure themselves. His one-year, $2.5 million deal includes only $1 million in guaranteed money through a signing bonus, with no guaranteed base salary for 2025.
This structure essentially makes his contract a slightly more expensive futures deal, allowing the Chargers to cut ties with minimal financial impact if he doesn’t impress in training camp. The team is essentially betting on his athletic upside under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
If the Chargers had more confidence in St-Juste as a rotational player, some of his base salary would likely be guaranteed. Instead, this deal makes it clear that he will have to earn his roster spot like any other fringe player. By comparison, even linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips received $400,000 guaranteed in his one-year, $1.55 million contract, along with a $150,000 per-game roster bonus—perks St-Juste’s deal notably lacks.
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