A year after being forced to move on from multiple high-profile players with large contract numbers, the Los Angeles Chargers are now projected to rank in the top 10 in salary cap space this offseason. This means Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz will likely be busy looking for ways to upgrade the roster after a playoff appearance for LA.
Yet, who should the Chargers target in free agency? A pair of Pro Bowl talents could be on their radar.
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Could Los Angeles Chargers Target Trey Smith And/Or Josh Sweat?
We already know that Jim Harbaugh places a high priority on his offensive line and protection scheme. One of last offseason’s biggest investments saw the Chargers select right tackle Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
That offensive line transformation could continue this offseason, but this time the investment could happen in free agency. The same could be said about the defensive line, which is already facing the challenge of replacing pending free agent Khalil Mack. Will Joey Bosa, who has a $36.4 million cap hit, be joining him?
Recently, The Athletic’s Daniel Popper addressed some Chargers off-season questions. In doing so, he tossed out the idea of the team pursuing Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith and/or Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat.
“Unlike last offseason, coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz can be very aggressive when the negotiating window begins March 10. Which top-of-the-market free agent are they going to prioritize? Is it Chiefs guard Trey Smith? That would shore up the interior of their offensive line. Is it Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat? That would provide a replacement for Joey Bosa, a potential cap casualty. It will be fascinating to see how Harbaugh and Hortiz spend their space. We’ll be searching for any indication of their plan in Indy.”
The Athletic on Los Angeles Chargers’ offseason plans
Signing either player would likely require a significant investment. Yet, the Chargers would also be injecting a Pro Bowl talent onto an already strong roster. Plus, addressing even just one of these weaknesses would make life easier for the Chargers once the 2025 NFL Draft gets underway.
Thankfully, we’re not too far away from learning what the Chargers have in store this offseason. Perhaps there are a few splashes on the way.
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