The Los Angeles Chargers boasted one of the NFL’s top defenses last season, but even elite units have room for improvement—particularly up front. As the team prepares for the 2025 campaign, questions remain about the depth and reliability of the defensive line.
Following the departure of Poona Ford, players like Da’Shawn Hand and Otito Ogbonnia are in line for larger roles. While both have flashed potential, neither has firmly established himself as a consistent starter—leaving a notable gap the Chargers may look to address before the season kicks off.
Los Angeles Chargers Need IDL Help, Is Walker The Answer?
One potential solution? DeMarcus Walker, a versatile veteran who was recently floated as a free-agent target for L.A.
“DeMarcus Walker could offer a solid fit at the 5-technique in Jesse Minter’s 3-4 scheme,” wrote Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus. “Walker earned a 65.0 PFF overall grade with the Bears last season and represents a significant upgrade over what is currently on the roster.”
Walker signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Chicago Bears after posting a breakout 2022 season with the Tennessee Titans, but he was released after just two seasons. Still, his performance in Chicago wasn’t without merit—he tallied 3.5 sacks in each of the past two years, offering positional flexibility and starting experience that would strengthen L.A.’s rotation.
Although he didn’t fully meet expectations in Chicago, Walker remains a serviceable veteran presence. Given the stage of the offseason and his modest recent production, he’s unlikely to command more than $3–5 million on a one-year deal.
For a team like the Chargers, that price is more than manageable. As of now, Los Angeles has $29.1 million in cap space, giving them the flexibility to make smart, targeted moves without jeopardizing future planning.
After a surprising playoff berth in 2024, the Chargers are hoping to build momentum in 2025. But competing in a loaded AFC—featuring dominant offensive lines and elite quarterbacks—will require a deeper and more reliable defensive front than the one currently on the roster.
Signing DeMarcus Walker may not be a flashy, headline-grabbing move. Still, it could be the kind of quietly effective addition that helps stabilize a critical area for a team looking to take the next step.
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