The Los Angeles Chargers hit reset after a disappointing 2023 season. Through key free agency moves and the draft, there are a few areas where the Chargers got better and worse this off-season.
Where the LA Chargers Got Better & Worse This Off-Season
The Front Office & Coaching: Better
It’s safe to say things got stale for Brandon Staley and the Chargers. Former general manager Tom Telesco also failed to get the team over the hump, despite taking big swings in free agency over the years. Telesco architected a few strong rosters and hit on draft picks like Justin Herbert and Derwin James, but things never came together for the Chargers under his watch. Injuries played a role in the team’s inability to take the next step, but even before Telesco arrived in 2013 the team had struggled to stay healthy. Staley arrived with lofty expectations after success overseeing the defense of the Los Angeles Rams. While the Chargers made a playoff run in 2022, their meltdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars led to the unraveling of Staley’s grip on the team.
Bringing Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter over from the University of Michigan gives the Chargers an upgrade on their coaching staff. Harbaugh has proven he is a winner on both the college and pro levels, having quickly turned around the San Francisco 49ers and built Michigan into a championship program. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman was on that staff in San Francisco, and his familiarity with Harbaugh’s style of play and coaching should give the offense an immediate boost. Minter’s prowess as a defensive mind should also raise the floor of a unit that has underachieved as of late.
While it takes time to assess the quality of a general manager, Joe Hortiz comes from a Baltimore Ravens organization that has been one of the most stable teams in the NFL. His first draft class looks promising, but time will tell how well he fares in Los Angeles.
Offense: Better
Trading away Keenan Allen ultimately lowers the floor on what this Chargers offense can be in 2024. Allen was a staple to the locker room and one of the most consistent players for the Chargers over the years. He also battled injuries and is aging, giving less certainty to his sustained production. In the draft, Los Angeles targeted Ladd McConkey to help replace Allen and the departed Mike Williams. While more of a possession receiver, McConkey should give Herbert a reliable weapon underneath. The team could have prioritized receiver with their first-round pick, but the decision to draft Joe Alt should pay off in the long run. Receivers rarely play their full careers with one team, whereas offensive tackles have a better chance of being foundational pieces for a franchise. For this reason alone, drafting Alt over a top receiver made sense for Los Angeles.
Losing Austin Ekler was offset by the additions of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. The team could also see more consistent production out of tight end Will Dissly, though he has yet to be a consistent part of an offense in the NFL. Herbert has the pieces to succeed, even if the offense looks much different than it did under Staley.
Defense: Worse
On paper, the Chargers defense looks slightly worse than it did in 2023. Losing Eric Kendricks affects the locker room more than the field, while Kenneth Murray failed to reach his pedigree as a first-round pick in Los Angeles. One reason the team should be optimistic about its outlook for 2024 is Minter running the defense. Minter was creative at his time in Michigan at disguising blitzes and coming up with ways to pressure the quarterback. With James being one of the best blitzing safeties in the game, and Khalil Mack coming off a banner year, Minter has pieces to work with. Tuli Tuipulotu has star potential and should also build off a strong rookie season. Minter makes this defense better, but it will take time to get his guys in the fold and figure out the best way to maximize the talent on the roster.
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