The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to finally break through the Kansas City Chiefs wall at the top of the AFC West. They took an impressive step forward in 2024 in the team’s maiden voyage under Jim Harbaugh, but to get to the next level, the team needed some changes going into 2025.
The first half of the year has been largely dedicated to additions and promotions, but the next stage will be about subtractions. Here are five players who need to treat training camp with their best intentions.
Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Kimani Vidal is still young, heading into just his second season. The untapped potential is still there, but the Chargers have already taken steps that show they are far from all-in (or even “in”) on the running back.
Vidal had a flash or two in 2024, but now he contends with potential star rookie Omarion Hampton and veteran Najee Harris. If he can’t make a case in August for at least the third spot, he could be far from guaranteed a spot for Week 1.
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Brenden Rice, WR
Brenden Rice came into the NFL with sky-high aspirations in line with his father Jerry Rice. However, he now finds himself needing to make a case to remain with the team.
The Chargers spent just a seventh-round pick on the wide receiver, which means they would have very little to lose if they decided to move on. Rice is still looking for his first NFL catch.
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Denzel Perryman, LB
Denzel Perryman is a Chargers name that dates back to the Philip Rivers era, playing out his first contract with the team before separating for a time.
After taking a cruise for three years with other teams from 2021 to 2023, Perryman returned to the team that gave him his first shot. However, as a 32-year-old player, there are no guarantees for the linebacker.
The Chargers were unafraid to separate from Perryman before, and could very well separate themselves once again.
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Jalen Reagor, WR
Jalen Reagor is a player who has more experience fighting through August with his back against the wall than with any guarantee going into training camp. Reagor is heading into an age-26 season and is already on his fourth team.
Since his opening two-year stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, Reagor has changed teams yearly. In 2024, the receiver posted the lowest receiving yards of his career with just 100 yards.
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Trey Lance, QB
Trey Lance seemingly was in a position to be set up for a decade-plus run with the San Francisco 49ers. However, he is now already in a journeyman phase of his career as a project quarterback.
This summer, he will face off against DJ Uiagalelei for the right to be the team’s third-string quarterback. If he can’t pull it off, this might not be just the end of his run with the Chargers, but the NFL as well.