SHOCKING DONE DEAL: Chargers sign eleven free agents from other teams this offseason to supplement their roster.

The Chargers brought in eleven free agents from other teams this offseason to strengthen their roster. Now that OTAs and minicamp have wrapped up, it’s time to assess how impactful each addition could be—ranked from the most to the least influential:

1. G Mekhi Becton

Becton headlines this group as the most impactful signing. Slated to start at right guard, he’s expected to be a major upgrade from last season’s interior line play. His pairing with rookie right tackle Joe Alt should create significant opportunities in the run game.

2. CB Donte Jackson

Jackson is another projected starter, likely lining up opposite Cam Hart, who’s still recovering from shoulder surgery. With rookie Tarheeb Still manning the nickel spot, Jackson’s health and consistency will be vital to the Chargers’ secondary success.

3. RB Najee Harris

Harris is expected to open the season as the lead back, though first-round rookie Omarion Hampton may eventually surpass him. Still, Harris remains a key piece of the offense—he’s never posted fewer than 1,000 rushing yards in a season, even when splitting time in Pittsburgh.

4. TE Tyler Conklin

Signed later in free agency, Conklin is expected to serve as the No. 2 tight end behind Will Dissly. But rookie Oronde Gadsden II has impressed so far, potentially clouding the depth chart. Still, given the Chargers’ frequent use of two-tight-end sets, Conklin should see the field regularly.

5. WR Mike Williams

Williams returns after a year with the Jets and Steelers and is penciled in as the starting X receiver. However, with Ladd McConkey clearly established as the No. 1 wideout and rookie Tre Harris pushing for snaps, Williams may be in a reduced role despite his chemistry with Justin Herbert and improved health post-ACL tear.

6. DL Da’Shawn Hand

Hand could replace Morgan Fox as the starter at five-technique, but fourth-rounder Justin Eboigbe is also in the mix. Hand’s ability to slide inside to three-tech gives him versatility, but with a crowded defensive line, his overall impact may be limited.

7. CB Benjamin St-Juste

St-Juste is positioned as the primary backup on the outside and could also contribute on special teams or at nickel if needed. Despite not being a projected starter, his $2.5M contract signals a role with meaningful snaps—particularly as a fill-in or rotational piece.

8. DL Naquan Jones

Jones is likely a rotational piece on the defensive line unless he unexpectedly claims the starting nose tackle job over Teair Tart or Jamaree Caldwell. He’s capable of playing both nose and three-technique, but his chances for major contributions seem slim at this stage.

9. LB Del’Shawn Phillips

Phillips was brought in mainly to boost special teams after Nick Niemann’s departure. With Daiyan Henley, Junior Colson, Denzel Perryman, and Troy Dye ahead of him, defensive snaps will be scarce unless injuries occur.

10. OL Andre James

Initially thought to be in contention for the starting center job, James has taken a backseat to Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson. He also hasn’t had significant reps at left guard, suggesting he’ll serve mostly as a depth option.

 

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