Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz got right to work during the offseason, not wishing to wait until the last minute to begin signing free agents. For starters, he signed defensive lineman Teair Tart to a three-year contract extension potentially worth as much as $37.5 million on Jan. 26.
Outside linebacker Khalil Mack was next, signing Saturday for one season, his fifth with the Chargers and 13th overall. Mack’s extension was for one season and a guaranteed $18 million, the same contract he signed mere hours before free agency opened last year.
Hortiz also signed running back Jaret Patterson and defensive back Kendall Williamson to one-year extensions and tendered running back Kimani Vidal an exclusive rights tender offer, keeping him in the fold, too. Patterson, Williams and Vidal are important depth players.
In addition, Hortiz signed two players who had been released by other teams and therefore could be added before free agency opens Wednesday at 1 p.m. (PDT). The legal tampering period began Monday at 9 a.m. (PDT), a window in which negotiations with outside free agents can start.
First, the Chargers addressed a significant need by signing Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz to a three-season, $30-million deal Friday in order to replace Bradley Bozeman, who retired in February. It was the first step in an expected offensive line upgrade.
The Washington Commanders had released Biadasz in a cost-cutting move.
Next, ex-Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold agreed to a two-season contract worth up to $7.5 million on Sunday, reuniting him with his former head coach, Mike McDaniel, the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator. Ingold is expected to replace Scott Matlock.
The Dolphins had released Ingold as part of their roster overhaul.
Here’s a closer look at several key positions that still need to be addressed:
OFFENSIVE LINE
Not only did the Chargers lose Bozeman, but they also jettisoned right guard Mekhi Becton, who was often injured and less than stellar when he wasn’t. So, they still need to fill a vacancy at right guard. Plus, left guard Zion Johnson is a pending free agent.
It’s expected that the offensive line will be a top priority in the draft April 23-25. Penn State offensive lineman Olaivabega Ioane is a name most often suggested in various mock drafts. He could take the place of Becton, assuming he’s still available when the Chargers pick 22nd overall.
The Chargers expect tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater to be sound for the start of the 2026 season after suffering season-ending injuries in 2025. The offensive line must protect quarterback Justin Herbert, who was sacked a career-high 54 times last season.
TIGHT END
The Chargers released Will Dissly and haven’t given Tyler Conklin an extension, which leaves Oronde Gadsden as their lone tight end on the roster. Gadsden had a fine rookie season in 2025, catching 49 passes, but the Chargers need and want a more veteran presence.
What they require is a tight end who can catch and block, too.
DEFENSIVE BACK
The Chargers were able to flip safety Alohi Gilman to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for outside linebacker Odafe Oweh in the middle of last season because Hortiz believed there was plenty of depth at defensive back. But safeties and cornerbacks are like relief pitchers in baseball.
You can never have too many good ones.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Retaining the services of Tart was a start, but the Chargers need depth at another key spot. The Chargers gave up 4.3 yards per rushing attempt last season, down from 4.7 yards in Coach Jim Harbaugh’s first season in 2024, a trend Harbaugh and Hortiz would like to continue for 2026.
Harbaugh and Hortiz certainly do not wish to see a drop off in Chris O’Leary’s first season as the Chargers’ new defensive coordinator after Jesse Minter put together one of the NFL’s top defenses in his two seasons on the job. Minter left to become the Ravens head coach during the offseason. So far, it’s the Chargers’ biggest offseason loss.
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Trent McDuffie reportedly agrees to extension with Rams to become NFL’s highest-paid CB Chargers agree to terms with former Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold on multiyear contract Khalil Mack reportedly returning to Chargers on 1-year, $18M deal Chargers sign C Tyler Biadasz in bid to strengthen offensive line Chargers release OL Mekhi Becton, save $9.7 million in cap spaceHence then, the article about chargers free agency primer needs to address after re signing khalil mack was published today ( ) and is available on The Orange County Register ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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