The Chargers roster is mostly set, minus the additions coming in the NFL draft in a few weeks. With that, you can envision most of the team’s starters come the 2025 campaign.
There are a few guys throughout the roster that will face make-or-break seasons, and let’s discuss them below:
OL Zion Johnson
The Chargers have revamped their offensive line over the last few offseasons. The front office has invested heavily in the position, and that won’t change with Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh now involved. Johnson was an example of that in the 2022 NFL draft when the Chargers selected him in the first round.
The left guard has the capabilities to become the team’s franchise guy at the position. In his 49 career starts across three NFL seasons, though, he’s been far too inconsistent for a former 17th overall pick.
There’s a chance the Chargers will draft an interior lineman in the upcoming draft, preferably to address the massive need at center. Beyond center, though, Johnson would be the next lineman to become expendable. His upcoming Year 4 will decide whether or not he lands a second contract with the Chargers.
WR Quentin Johnston
Before we get started on Johnston, let’s preface that he took a noticeable step forward in Year 2. After a miserable rookie campaign, he proved he belonged in his sophomore year in 2024.
With that being said, he still to prove that he was worthy of the 21st overall pick, ahead of the likes of Zay Flowers and Jordan Addison. The former TCU star is set to head into his third season, and it’s a crucial one. If he takes another step forward in 2025, it will take this offense to another level.
On the flip side, if he fails to show further improvement, he won’t be in Los Angeles much longer. The Chargers still need wide receiver help, and part of that is the lack of trust that Johnston will develop into a star alongside Ladd McConkey.
LB Junior Colson
It may be a tad unfair to deem it a make-or-break season for a guy entering his second year in the league. The NFL has become an instant gratification league, though, and if you don’t perform in your first two seasons with the team, your future with the team becomes a bit murky.
The Chargers used a third-round pick on Colson in the 2024 NFL draft, and he played just 218 (32%) defensive snaps in his rookie year. The path is there for him to see the field more in his second season in 2025.
Denzel Perryman is back and will likely begin the season as the second starter at linebacker, but Colson has the potential to take that spot over. That should be the expectation for a guy drafted so high just a year ago. If he fails to see the field much again, that doesn’t bode well for his future with the team.
RB Najee Harris
Harris signed with the Chargers a few months ago, but it’s a critical season for the former first-rounder. Although he enjoyed some success in Pittsburgh, he still failed to live up to expectations.
There’s a reason why he only got a one-year deal in free agency this offseason. If he can break out in 2025, which is possible behind the Chargers’ massive offensive line, then Harris could try for a multi-year deal next offseason. If we see more of the same from him, he may fall into the pattern of signing one-year deals every offseason.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Which Chargers players are facing make-or-break seasons in 2025?