Fourteen teams earned a playoff berth and had a chance to win a Lombardi Trophy.
The road to New Orleans for Super Bowl 59 isn’t permitted for all clubs. Some teams get closer than others. The playoffs are filled with twists, bumps, turns and many emotions as squads battle for a Super Bowl title. However, the offseason is the next destination when a team’s postseason journey is over.
The offseason brings new possibilities and optimism. That time has arrived for the Los Angeles Chargers following their 32-12 loss to the Texans in the wild-card round. What’s next for the Chargers as they prepare for the 2025 season? USA TODAY Sports explores.
Chargers key 2025 free agents
Khalil Mack, OLB
Mack is on an expiring deal and the team could save over $25 million if they cut Joey Bosa, per Over The Cap. The two edge rushers restructured their contracts to remain with the Chargers this season. Mack and Bosa could each agree to team-friendly deals to run it back. Even though Mack turns 34 in February, he’s the Chargers’ best, most consistent and most durable pass rusher. He has earned Pro Bowl honors in his three seasons in Los Angeles. The Chargers would likely prefer to bring the defensive leader back on a short-term deal.
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J.K. Dobbins, RB
Excluding Justin Herbert, Dobbins was the Chargers best offensive player this season. The running back was earning Comeback Player of the Year consideration before the Chargers placed him on injured reserve. Injuries have plagued his entire NFL career, yet he consistently produces when on the field. He averaged 4.6 yards a carry and rushed for a career single-season high 905 yards in 13 games this year.
Poona Ford, DT
Ford was a revelation for the Chargers. The interior defensive lineman was disruptive as he compiled 39 tackles and tied career-highs in sacks (3) and tackles for loss (8). The Chargers are thin at defensive tackle, but the team’s need at the position wasn’t glaring because Ford started all 17 regular-season games.
Chargers three moves to make
Wide receiver
Defensive line
The Chargers’ top three defensive linemen Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, and Teair Tart are headed toward free agency. Ford scored an 85.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking fifth among qualifying defensive linemen. The Chargers will likely attempt to retain at least two of the three interior defensive linemen, but they’ll have to bolster the unit.
Interior offensive line
Per ESPN, rookie right tackle Joe Alt had a 94% pass block win rate, which is the fourth-best mark in the NFL. Left tackle Rashawn Slater allowed three sacks all season. The interior of the Chargers offensive line caused a majority of the team’s 124 pressures allowed.
Chargers draft needs
Wide receiver, interior offensive line and tight end.
Los Angeles currently has eight total picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Compensatory picks won’t be announced until the offseason.
The Chargers have picks in the following rounds:
1st round
2nd round
3rd round
4th round
5th round
6th round
6th round (from New England)
7th round (from Cleveland)