The Los Angeles Chargers offseason was incredibly active, but it hasn’t been all about the additions. Some of the biggest moves were losses. But after adding a dozen free agents and nine draft picks, the Chargers still find themselves lacking at a few key positions for the 2024 season.
Los Angeles Chargers 3 Critical Roster Gaps
Interior Defensive Line
This one is as surprising as it is egregious. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is known to build teams from the trenches out. He did plenty to shore up the offensive line, but nearly nothing on the other side of the ball. They added Poona Ford to ensure they can field an 11-man defense, but outside of him, no interior defensive lineman has proven to be a three-down player.
How to fix it: There are a few free-agent options that would help inject the team with experience, but there isn’t a silver bullet left on the market. Of the remaining interior defensive line free agents, Mike Purcell would be the best fit. The 6’3″ 328-pounder was a solid player last season and was able to stay on the field for over 40 percent of defensive snaps.
Ultimately, the answer is to develop the talent already on the roster. The Chargers have painted themselves into a corner having paid a lot of money to Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. It’s forced them to use draft picks to build this group, and they haven’t used high draft capital to address it.
They need either Scott Matlock or Otito Ogbonnia to take a huge step forward. Getting some rotational snaps out of this year’s fourth-round pick, Justin Eboigbe will also be integral to the success of this group in 2024.
Running Back
How could this be? The Chargers have already brought on three new backs to this team. But all of those players have huge question marks associated with them. Gus Edwards has never been a workhorse back. Last season was the closest he’s ever come to that status. But even that was just 198 carries, a far cry from the top backs in the league. He is also 29 years old. J.K. Dobbins‘s injury history is horrific. And Kimani Vidal has never played a snap in the NFL.
How to fix it: Try out more free agents. There is no perfect answer available for this position, but the Chargers offense is going to rely heavily on the position. Giving themselves more options to find the right mix. Eno Benjamin, Kareem Hunt, and Matt Breida are all options that could offer upside, versatility, and just another warm body to continue to pound the rock.
