Herbert’s Talent Hasn’t Translated to Team Success
Herbert has firmly established himself as one of the most gifted passers in the National Football League. However, the team around him has repeatedly failed to reach its potential. Issues such as inconsistent coaching decisions and poor offensive line performance have frequently been cited as reasons for the Chargers’ inability to advance in the playoffs. Even with a quarterback of Herbert’s caliber, Los Angeles has struggled to get past crucial postseason barriers.
Cap Space Gives the Chargers Major Flexibility
Heading into the offseason, the Chargers are in a favorable financial position. The team currently holds roughly $99 million in available salary cap space, the highest in the NFL. Because of this, the organization does not need to rely heavily on cutting players or restructuring contracts to free up additional funds.
Still, one roster move is made to clear space. Veteran edge rusher Bud Dupree is released, saving the team approximately $3.5 million. The decision is based primarily on long-term roster planning, as the Chargers intend to upgrade the edge rushing position through other avenues.
Interestingly, the team avoids contract restructures entirely. Rather than shifting salary cap hits into future seasons, the Chargers choose to absorb any financial impact in the current year to prevent long-term complications.
A Strategic Trade
The Chargers also execute a trade before the draft. The Indianapolis Colts offer the 47th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft in exchange for linebacker Daiyan Henley.
Henley has developed into a solid contributor during his four years with the team. However, because he is entering the final year of his contract, Los Angeles decides the value of a high second-round pick is too valuable to decline.
Key Free Agency Moves
Before free agency officially begins, the Chargers secure important pieces already on their roster.
First, they agree to a three-year contract extension worth $54.9 million with outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu. The pass rusher has improved each season and had a standout performance in 2025, finishing with 13 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
Next, the Chargers re-sign linebacker Odafe Oweh to a three-year deal worth $45 million. Oweh delivered a strong campaign in 2025, recording 7.5 sacks and providing valuable defensive pressure.
The team then turns its attention to strengthening Herbert’s protection. Their most notable free agency signing is center Tyler Linderbaum. At just 25 years old, Linderbaum is already considered one of the top players at his position. The Chargers secure him with a four-year contract valued at $62 million.
The spending continues with the addition of veteran edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. Despite heavy interest from other teams, the Chargers present the most aggressive offer, signing him to a two-year contract worth $18.7 million annually.
Special teams and offensive versatility are also addressed by signing wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed. The Pro Bowl returner agrees to a two-year deal worth $24 million.
The final free agency move involves strengthening the secondary with cornerback Joshua Williams, who signs a two-year contract worth $20 million.
Draft Strategy
Armed with four selections within the first three rounds of the 2026 draft, the Chargers focus on filling remaining gaps in their roster.
Round 1, Pick 22 – Guard Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State)
With their first-round pick, Los Angeles selects Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane. The three-year starter brings stability and physicality to the offensive line. His addition alongside tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, along with new center Linderbaum, forms a formidable offensive line designed to protect Herbert for years.
Round 2, Pick 47 – Wide Receiver Chris Bell (Louisville)
Using the pick acquired in the Henley trade, the Chargers select Chris Bell from Louisville Cardinals. With uncertainty surrounding whether the team will exercise the fifth-year option of receiver Quentin Johnston, Bell provides a potential replacement.
Standing 6-foot-2, Bell is known for his excellent ball skills and ability to operate as a boundary receiver. Although he suffered a torn ACL during the 2025 college season and missed the NFL Combine, scouts remain extremely high on his long-term potential. If he recovers fully, he could become one of the steals of the draft.
Round 2, Pick 55 – Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech)
The Chargers also select Jacob Rodriguez from Texas Tech Red Raiders with the 55th overall pick. Rodriguez has generated buzz as a potential first-round talent due to his impressive college production.
He has consistently filled the stat sheet with tackles, interceptions, and forced fumbles. While he still needs improvement in pass coverage and consistency, his athleticism and instincts give him the potential to become a high-level linebacker in the NFL.
Round 3, Pick 86 – Edge Rusher Anthony Lucas (USC)
The Chargers continue to build their pass rush by selecting Anthony Lucas from USC Trojans. Lucas has not posted major production numbers in college, but his physical tools are extremely appealing.
Standing 6-foot-5½ with arms measuring 33½ inches, he possesses the type of size and length NFL scouts covet. While still a developmental player, Lucas has the athletic traits necessary to become a strong contributor with proper coaching and conditioning.
Offseason Summary
Key Additions
Tyler Linderbaum (Center)
Trey Hendrickson (Edge Rusher)
Rashid Shaheed (Wide Receiver / Return Specialist)
Joshua Williams (Cornerback)
Olaivavega Ioane (Guard – Draft)
Chris Bell (Wide Receiver – Draft)
Jacob Rodriguez (Linebacker – Draft)
Anthony Lucas (Edge Rusher – Draft)
Key Departures
Daiyan Henley (Linebacker – traded)
Bud Dupree (Edge Rusher – released)
Zion Johnson (Guard)
Outlook for the Chargers
With the largest salary cap space in the NFL and multiple valuable draft selections, the Chargers have the resources to dramatically improve their roster. Rather than cutting costs, the team positions itself as an aggressive buyer during free agency while also strengthening key areas through the draft.
If these moves come together as planned, Los Angeles could finally provide Justin Herbert with the support he needs to compete for championships and potentially change the trajectory of the franchise.