Charger Report

Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh pounds table for return of polarizing free agent

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In this story:


Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh used his year-end presser alongside general manager Joe Hortiz to signal he would like many of his key free agents back in 2025. 

Think, guys like Khalil Mack…and Bradley Bozeman?

Outside of dishing some street justice to a defender who laid a dirty hit on Justin Herbert, Bozeman had a forgettable season with the Chargers, earning a 61.4 PFF grade. 

But Harbaugh would disagree with the notion, pointing to some key things in Bozeman’s favor.

"He did a heck of a job,” Harbaugh said. “And I think one thing that always really stands out in my mind sometimes a little bit more than other things is he played 18 games...played the most snaps on offense. Want guys like that back."

Granted, Harbaugh is a champion of coachspeak and this is a what else was he gonna say? scenario. 

But there is surely some truth in this somewhere. Bozeman arrived as a stopgap solution on a short contract. The interior of the offensive line was a disaster for most of the season, but there is certainly some value in getting a guy like Bozeman and his droves of starting experience back in the fold as a backup. 

Maybe that’s the play here, should Bozeman want to return in that capacity. He’d be a nice fit behind a more notable veteran starter or a viable mentor for a high-round rookie while they compete for the job.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) and center Bradley Bozeman (75)
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers' Jim Harbaugh reveals he needs two medical operations this offseason

Chargers quietly winning NFL coaching search right now

Los Angeles Chargers in danger of losing key front office member to rival

Chargers brass reveal compensatory draft pick plan ahead of key offseason

Are the Chargers actually in danger of regressing?

Chargers' huge cap room is misleading for depressing reason


Published
Chris Roling
CHRIS ROLING

Chris Roling has covered the NFL since 2010 with stints at Bleacher Report, USA TODAY Sports Media Group and others. Raised a Bengals fan in the '90s, the Andy Dalton era was smooth sailing by comparison. He graduated from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University and remains in Athens.

Share on XFollow Chris_Roling