The Chargers, under HC Jim Harbaugh, did indeed turn things around in 2024, moving from a 5-12 record in the prior year, to 11-6 and making the playoffs. In typically Chargers fashion, they choked in the playoffs, but that’s another story. Obviously, it’s very early in 2025, so this will be a preliminary peek at the Chargers need and free agents.

QB: Fortunately for the team, HC Justin Herbert remains under contract, and will likely remain a top 10, and perhaps top 5, fantasy starter. The team may look to improve at the backup quarterback position, but that’s likely not terribly relevant from a fantasy perspective. Backup QB Easton Stick and I think he’s ok, at best. QB Taylor Heinicke is also an unrestricted free agent, who is better than Stick, in my view. Again, this is not a pressing need.

RB: The Chargers do have some problems at running back. Their most productive player is RB J.K. Dobbins, who performed and held up physically better last year than many of us thought that he would. I assume that the team will attempt to retain the unrestricted free agent, Dobbins. I would assume that the strategy would be to keep Dobbins, if possible, and then add needed depth either via the draft or free agency.

WR: The number 1 wideout is WR Ladd McConkey, who had a terrific rooking season in 2024. This remains a position of need for the team. WR D.J. Chark is a free agent, and I assume that he’s gone. WR Joshua Palmer is also a free agent, and if the price is right, he’s likely worth hanging onto. Palmer will likely never be a star, but he’s a competent #3 receiver. But again, this is an area of need for the Chargers.

TE: TE Will Dissly performed at or above expectations and will probably remain the teams TE1. TE Hayden Hurst didn’t do much, and as a free agent, don’t be surprised if he leaves. TE Stone Smartt is also a free agent, and I felt he may have been underutilized. I’d keep him, if his asking price is reasonable. This is another area of potential need for the team.

PK: The Chargers have a good one in PK Cameron Dicker, so no need here and no changes expected.

DEF: The Chargers have almost to many needs to mention here and quite a number of free agents, including LB Khalil Mack, LB Denzel Perryman, CB Asante Samuel, Jr., and DT Poona Ford. I think the team will try to re-sign Samuel and possibly Ford, who played well. I’m not so sure about Mack or Perryman. Both are quality players, but Mack is 34 and Perryman is 33, so both are a bit long in the tooth, by NFL standards. Linebacker and EDGE positions should be areas of focus for the Bolts in the draft and in free agency.

End.