MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Peterson

The Chargers turned to free agency this off season to bolster their roster. They signed 11 free agents and some of them are expected to have a big impact. The draft is a good avenue as well to make a splash but the free agent market can provide some experienced players.

Here’s a look at the some of the key free agent acquisitions that the Chargers acquired.

G Mekhi Becton

Becton will come right in and start at right guard for the Chargers. He is a huge upgrade for the Chargers. With Becton and right tackle Joe Alt, the Chargers should be solid in the interior.

RB Najee Harris

Harris should open the season as the starter but the Chargers also drafted Omarion Hampton and he could see considerable action as well. Harris has been consistent in his career having never run for less than 1,000 yards with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

TE Tyler Conklin

The Chargers still have Will Dissly so he should be the number one tight end but Conklin will get an opportunity. Oronde Gadsden II, a rookie, was also impressive in minicamp. It will be stiff competition in camp but Conklin will be right in the mix.

WR Mike Williams

We’ve seen this movie before and at times we loved it. Williams returns to the Chargers and is expected to play a starting role. He is familiar with quarterback Justin Herbert and seems completely healthy now after a torn ACL a couple years ago. Ladd McConkey is the number one receiver but with the Chargers current roster Williams is numero dos.

DL Da’Shawn Hand

Hand was signed to replace Morgan Fox but the Bolts are also high on 2024 fourth-round pick Justin Eboigbe in the same position. Hand is versatile and can play several line spots meaning he could rotate with other defensive linemen. LA has a lot of bodies on the D-Line but Hand is still expected to make an impact.

DL Naquan Jones

Jones is listed lower on the depth chart than Hand and there might not be a place for him to play immediately. Jones will be in the rotation though and gives the Chargers some protection from injuries to front line players.

CB Donte Jackson

The Chargers look for Jackson to be a full-time starter. Tarheeb Still will start at nickel corner and Cam Hart will be on the other side but is coming off of labrum surgery. The Chargers will need Jackson to stay healthy and be productive for the secondary to perform at a high level.

Other Free Agent Signings:

CB Benjamin St-Juste: Expected to play a back-up role and provides depth in the secondary.

LB Del’Shawn Phillips: Good pick-up especially for special teams but may not see much action unless the Bolts are hit by injuries to the linebacking room led by Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman.

OL Andre James: Can play center or left guard if the Bolts get banged up on the offensive front.

Tim Peterson can be reached at tim.midvalleysports@gmail.com or on Twitter (X) @tseterson40 Facebook – Tim Peterson