Charger Report

Los Angeles Chargers surprising free agency grade despite concerns of a slow start

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh have a plan and stick to it regardless of outside noise. It appears to be paying off.
Brian Letscher|
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine
Feb 25, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In this story:

Los Angeles ChargersKansas City ChiefsBuffalo Bills | News, Scores, Schedules & Standings

The Los Angeles Chargers entered 2025 NFL with over $90 million in cap space, good for second in the league, pushing fan expectations for GM Joe Hortiz to make some splashy moves. After a slow start that had players coming to the defense of Hortiz, the Chargers have rebounded, earning a strong mark from Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News.

In the losses column, the Chargers released DE Joey Bosa and RB Gus Edwards while free agents DT Poona Ford went crosstown the Rams, WR Josh Palmer took a deal with the Buffalo Bills and CB Kristian Fulton signed with the rival Kansas City Chiefs.

Joey Bosa
Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Joey Bosa (97) | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Hortiz and the organization, however, stuck to their plan, starting with resigning their own players like safety Elijiah Molden, C Bradley Bozeman and, a big one, All-Pro EDGE rusher Khalil Mack. Hortiz replaced other losses with CB's Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste as well as bringing back WR Mike Williams and, one of their earliest moves, bringing in RB Najee Harris from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The sum of what turned into a lot of action for Hortiz and the Chargers has Iyer handing them a grade of A- for their moves, ranking them 7th overall in the league with the Harris signing critical to Harbaugh's philosophy.

Najee Harris
Sep 22, 2024;Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) carries the ball past Los Angeles Chargers | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

"Harris is the ideal fit for the power-running mindset of Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman, " Iyer wrote, "The return of Williams can help Justin Herbert well. Reshuffling at corner was needed for the defense, while the team made a smart choice to bring back Mack over Bosa."

Khalil Mack, Patrick Mahomes
Dec 8, 2024; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Hortiz and the Chargers may have seemingly started out slow considering their cap space and certainly outside expectations but Hortiz and Harbaugh are finishing strong. A good sign as they enter Harbaugh's second season -- one that comes with equally high expectations all around.

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

DK Metcalf, Davante Adams deals predicted to push $80M weapon to Chargers' Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert reacts to Mike Williams returning to Chargers

Chargers analyst delivers shocking take on pursuit of star WR

Chargers’ TE situation just got so much worse thanks to Jets

Chargers beef up defensive line with former Alabama standout

Published
Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

Home/Los Angeles Chargers Latest News