The Los Angeles Chargers enter 2025 with a long list of players on expiring deals. Some are core pieces. Others are depth. Here’s a breakdown of who should stay, who should go, and who still has something to prove.
Los Angeles Chargers Soon-To-Be Free Agents
Rashawn Slater, LT
Slater has been one of the best left tackles in football when healthy. He protected Justin Herbert’s blind side at a high level in 2024 and is still only 26. He’s elite in pass protection and solid in the run game. This is a foundational piece.
Verdict: Re-sign him. Do it early and don’t overthink it.
Khalil Mack, EDGE
Mack is coming off another strong season for the Chargers and still plays like a top-tier pass rusher. But he turns 34 this season and briefly considered retirement. Production hasn’t dropped, but availability and long-term outlook are questions.
Verdict: Wait and see. If he’s still elite in 2025, bring him back for one more run.
Alohi Gilman, S
Gilman flashed in 2023 but battled injuries and inconsistent play last year. When he’s on, he’s a smart, versatile safety. When he’s hurt or off, he’s a liability. The Chargers need more consistency on the back end.
Verdict: Wait and see. Let the season play out and make the call in February.
Najee Harris, RB
Harris got a fresh start with the Los Angeles Chargers and will get every chance to lead the run game. He’s productive, physical, and experienced. But at 27, with a heavy career workload, the tread on the tires is a real concern.
Verdict: Let him walk. Unless he’s great and cheap, it’s smarter to keep looking for younger backs.
Zion Johnson, G
Johnson has been steady but underwhelming since the Chargers drafted him in the first round. He hasn’t lived up to his first-round billing and was part of a line that struggled in the run game. The team declined his fifth-year option and added competition inside.
Verdict: Wait and see, leaning toward walk. He needs to take a real step forward to earn a second deal.
Mike Williams, WR
Williams is back on a one-year deal after a forgettable year in Pittsburgh and New York. The connection with Herbert is proven, but he’s 30 now, and injuries have piled up. The team already has younger receivers lined up behind him.
Verdict: Wait and see. If he bounces back, maybe keep him around. Otherwise, time to move on.
Denzel Perryman, LB
Perryman returned in 2024 and was productive when healthy. But he missed time again and turns 33 next year. Leadership and instincts are still there, but durability just isn’t.
Verdict: Let him walk. This feels like a farewell season.
Subscribe To Our LAFB Network YouTube Channel
Tyler Conklin, TE
Conklin has reliable hands and is a well-rounded vet. He likely won’t wow anyone, but he could become a trusted safety valve for Herbert. The tight end room isn’t loaded, so there’s a clear path to real snaps.
Verdict: Wait and see. If he clicks in this offense, he’s worth a short extension.
Andre James, C
James was a low-risk flier after a down year in Vegas. He’s still only 28 and has starting experience. He’ll compete for the starting center job, and could be a quiet win if he returns to form.
Verdict: Wait and see. Let the competition play out. If he wins the job and plays well, lock him in.
Also Read: Perfect Trade Target Emerges For Los Angeles Chargers’ Biggest Weakness
Benjamin St-Juste, CB
St-Juste has size, flashes, and experience, but has never quite put it all together. He’ll compete as a depth outside corner and will need to show more consistency than he did in Washington.
Verdict: Wait and see. Could earn another deal with steady play, but nothing is guaranteed.
Jamaree Salyer, OL
Salyer has played tackle and guard and held his own wherever they’ve needed him. He hasn’t started full-time since his rookie year, but he’s dependable and still only 24.
Verdict: Extend if affordable. Great sixth man to have around. Worth keeping if the price is right.
Trey Pipkins III, OT/G
Pipkins signed a three-year extension in 2023 but was moved inside at times and struggled in the run game. With other linemen added, his spot is no longer safe.
Verdict: Let him walk. The team is clearly preparing for life without him.
Naquan Jones, DT
Jones was a solid rotational lineman in Arizona and now comes to L.A. as a depth piece. He’s flashed interior pass rush ability and could be a useful part of the rotation.
Verdict: Wait and see. If he pops in a limited role, bring him back. If not, keep developing younger guys.
Da’Shawn Hand, DT
Hand brings veteran depth to the Chargers and some history with the front office. But his role will be limited, and he’s not likely to be more than a rotational body up front.
Verdict: Let him walk. One-year depth rental. No need to extend unless injuries force their hand.
Troy Dye, LB
Dye is a core special-teams player and occasional backup linebacker. He’s unlikely to crack the starting lineup but has value on coverage units.
Verdict: Let him walk. Depth and special teams can be replaced with younger players.
Del’Shawn Phillips, LB
Phillips was brought in by the Chargers to replace Nick Niemann and will fill a similar special teams-heavy role. Has some defensive experience but nothing that moves the needle.
Verdict: Let him walk. Like Dye, this is a one-year audition at best.