Los Angeles Chargers 2025 NFL Season Preview

Los Angeles Chargers 2025 NFL Season Preview originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

[Editor’s note: This article is from Athlon Sports’ 2025 NFL Preview Magazine. Order your copy today online or pick one up at retail racks and newsstands nationwide.]

Led by their resolute head coach, Jim Harbaugh, the Los Angeles Chargers carried discipline, belief and a bold new vision into the 2024 season. Pegged as a sleeper in the AFC, with pundits split between skepticism and full-on belief, the Chargers delivered a dramatic turnaround, winning 11 games and clinching a playoff berth. It was a remarkable feat, especially after finishing 5-12 the season before, and it marked the team’s best season in years.

As with previous stops, Harbaugh reignited a stagnant franchise, transforming a below-average program into an immediate winner. Partnering with general manager Joe Hortiz, he built a playoff team not through flashy moves, but with homegrown talent, under-the-radar signings and low-profile trades.

But that success raises tougher questions: Is last season’s turnaround sustainable? Are they truly ready to contend? For all the progress, the reality hasn’t changed — the Chargers haven’t won a playoff game since the 2018 season.

Offense

Quarterback Justin Herbert’s resilience in battling injury last season highlighted how often he was hit behind a subpar interior line, a situation addressed in free agency. His knack for creating plays under duress underscored how the offense’s limitations, from injuries to a thin receiving corps, forced him to carry an even heavier burden. The team’s next step depends on improving his supporting cast.

Reliable pass-catchers remain the team’s biggest question mark. Despite being linked to several high-profile names through free agency and trade, the team whiffed on every opportunity.

Ladd McConkey© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Bright spots do exist, though. Ladd McConkey was the standout, the lone 1,000-yard receiver and a dynamic slot threat. But behind him, the talent gap was — and still is — glaring. Quentin Johnston improved in Year 2, but he’s still nowhere near the player the team envisioned he would be as the 21st overall pick in 2023. Mike Williams returns on a one-year deal after bouncing between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers last year at 30; he gives Herbert a large catch radius, end zone threat and familiarity.

The team spent a second-round pick on Ole Miss standout Tre Harris, who led the FBS with 128.8 receiving yards per game. Like Williams, Harris’ size gives Herbert the big outside target he’s lacked. Newly added veteran tight end Tyler Conklin, who started 15 games for the Jets in 2024, should jockey for targets with Will Dissly.

Staying true to the Harbaugh-Greg Roman blueprint, the Chargers went all-in at running back this offseason. After a serviceable season from former Baltimore Ravens J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, they let the two walk. Enter fifth-year veteran Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton — two backs who bring exactly what the Chargers need: youth and durability. Both are tailor-made for the kind of smash-mouth, run-heavy offense Harbaugh and Roman implemented last season. Harbaugh sees them as co-starters, expecting to use them equally in the ground game.

After last season’s struggles, particularly along the interior, the Chargers’ two-running back investment will operate behind what they hope is a legitimately improved offensive line — emphasis on hope. The tackle spots are the sure thing: Joe Alt, a first-team All-Rookie selection, locks down the right side, while Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater — currently in contract talks — returns to anchor the left.

Run-blocking was a major liability last season, and while the team took a swing by signing Super Bowl-winning guard Mekhi Becton to shore up the right side, the interior still feels like a patchwork experiment. The Chargers haven’t ruled out moving Zion Johnson to center — a sign they’re still searching for answers — while free-agent acquisition Andre James, re-signed Bradley Bozeman and last year’s starting right guard Trey Pipkins III are all in the mix.

Defense

With the departure of Joey Bosa after nine seasons, the team has cut ties with one of the last remnants of the Chargers’ San Diego days. Several familiar faces remain, though. Khalil Mack and Denzel Perryman return on team-friendly one-year deals, but a new wave of leadership is rising. Linebacker Daiyan Henley and edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu emerged as key contributors in Year 2. Henley, who ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in tackles (147), and Tuipulotu, who led the team in sacks (8.5), could both be All-Pro candidates by season’s end.

Derwin James Jr.© Stephen R&period; Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Linebacker Troy Dye — who worked his way up from special teamer to key contributor through a wave of injuries — re-signed this offseason. Junior Colson, whose rookie season was marred by injuries, had already been factored into the defensive plans before going down and could carve out a similar role if healthy.

Derwin James Jr. continues to improve with age, playing at an All-Pro level. He thrives in coordinator Jesse Minter’s fast-paced system, making an impact in coverage, run defense and as a blitzer. Alongside him, Alohi Gilman quietly took a step forward last season, improving under the new regime before a late-season hamstring injury. When he returned before the playoffs, so did his reliability.

Thin up front after losing starters Poona Ford and Morgan Fox, the Chargers return only one proven line contributor in Teair Tart. The team turned to free agency and the draft, headlined by the addition of Jamaree Caldwell. The 340-pound rookie has the size and strength to anchor the interior. Veterans Da’Shawn Hand and Naquan Jones have a chance to carve out a spot in the rotation.

Cornerback remains a concern. Both Asante Samuel Jr. and Kristian Fulton departed in free agency. The team signed veterans Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste, both of whom started last season for the Steelers and Commanders, respectively. Jackson brings a blend of speed and agility that should help in man coverage, while the 6-foot-3, 200-pound St-Juste adds length, quick feet and the ability to contribute against the run, particularly from the slot.

Beyond those two, it was a revolving door at cornerback last year, with Cam Hart, Ja’Sir Taylor and Tarheeb Still all seeing snaps but also battling injuries that kept them off the field. Expect them to be in the mix again this season for the bulk of snaps, assuming they can stay healthy.

Specialists

Special teams remain one of the most stable units, with placekicker Cameron Dicker and punter JK Scott returning together under coordinator Ryan Ficken for the fourth consecutive season. Dicker became one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers, converting 39-of-42 field-goal attempts last year, third-best in the league, while thriving under the new kickoff rules thanks to his unique style. Scott re-signed for two years, providing stability at punter. Derius Davis, who handled both kickoff and punt returns last season, didn’t score a touchdown but consistently flipped field position with his quickness and cutting ability.

Final Analysis

Last season, the Chargers won every game they should have and stayed competitive in matchups where they were underdogs. The same is expected this season. The next logical step is competing for the AFC West title. The Kansas City Chiefs still reign supreme in the division, though with a slightly weaker grip. The Denver Broncos, just one game behind the Chargers last season, added key pieces to an inconsistent but promising team. In reality, the Chargers could move down the division ladder but will remain competitive nonetheless.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.

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Los Angeles Chargers 2025 NFL Season Preview

Offense

Defense

Specialists

Final Analysis

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