The Los Angeles Chargers’ 2025 draft class was filled with what many called “dessert picks.” This means the obtaining of weapons for Justin Herbert, getting all sorts of youthful, talented skill position players.
That said, a bit more of the “meat and potatoes” approach may be necessary for the Chargers to truly compete late in the playoffs. Luckily, there are some good veteran players out in the free agent market ready to be picked up.
3 Free Agents Targets for the Chargers to Sign Post-Draft
Brandon Scherff: The Offensive Line Is Not Complete
Background: In the media, Brandon Scherff is atop many lists of “best remaining free agents,” and it makes complete sense considering his many years starting in Washington and Jacksonville. All of these years starting have been solid to borderline elite, even in his aging seasons.
He is likely still available for a fairly cheap contract, a contract that will not count against the compensatory pick formula.
Fit: Scherff definitely is not the cleanest fit for the Chargers, let’s get that out of the way. He has only played right guard in his career (not counting his 2 snaps at right tackle), and this is a conflict with the Chargers other marquee guard signing, Mekhi Becton. The signee had a career season last year with the Eagles after moving to right guard.
It would be bad process for the Chargers to then move Becton to a different spot, even if he has played left tackle in the league, showing his ambidexterity in his feet. However, if the Chargers, who have shown the decision to move offensive linemen around (think Trey Pipkins to guard last season), the Chargers free agent target would still be an upgrade on this offensive line, even if it requires said shuffling.
Mike Hilton: Feisty Veteran Depth Piece
Background: Mike Hilton is an outlier at cornerback, as he is 31 years old, 5’9, 185 lbs and currently a free agent. This smaller stature and age usually spell the end of a career, especially in the secondary positions. The thing is, Hilton was in a league of his own last year, as his PFF run-stopping grade was #1 across all cornerbacks. A hard-hitting, feisty slot cornerback is a dying breed in the NFL, and Jim Harbaugh should consider the idea of adding this type of skillset to his defense.
Fit: The Chargers have already added two cornerbacks in free agency, plus a seventh-round rookie in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, none of these guys should stop them from adding an elite run-defending cornerback like Hilton. Donte Jackson will start alongside Tarheeb Still (who can also play the slot), and Cam Hart will be right in the mix.
However, the slot position will be wide open for Hilton as long as Still is playing outside and Derwin James mixing and matching his positions at Safety and slot cornerback. This may mean fewer total snaps for Hilton, as he will be sharing snaps with the aforementioned Still and James, but this will keep the veteran fresh and in on downs where he is his best.
DeMarcus Walker: Should Be The Chargers’ #1 Free Agent Target
Background: DeMarcus Walker being available at this stage of free agency is quite surprising. He has been a long-time solid interior/EDGE defender across multiple defensive lines. The Chargers should have Walker as their #1 free agent target.
Fit: The Chargers just lost Morgan Fox to the Falcons in free agency, who was the “tweener” interior/edge third-down pass rushing defender during his career with the Bolts. They still need a replacement for him, insert Walker, who is a better run defender, and an elite pressure getter with his 39 pressures last season.
Walker will add depth both on the interior and edge of the defensive line, both spots where more talent is needed for the Chargers.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
