The Los Angeles Chargers head into the second year of the Jim Harbaugh Experience with mixed emotions. On one hand, they flipped their regular season record and made the playoffs. On the other hand, they were run out of Houston on a rail in the postseason.
2025 will be a high-stakes season for the team, and that trickles down the roster. Some players will cement their place on the team, and others will be cut before the opening kick-off in Brazil/
Los Angeles Chargers Make-or-Break Candidates
Quentin Johnston and the Rest of the Wide Receiver Room
Quentin Johnston is the most obvious candidate for a list like this, and the reason is obvious: he hasn’t lived up to his first-round expectations. Enough digital ink has been spilled making this point, but the search for a collection of receivers to offer enough support to Justin Herbert (and to ease the workload of Ladd McConkey) is well underway — in a very Harbaugh sort of way — that is to say, without top-end investment.
The depth chart currently has 12 wide receivers on it, half could be gone come opening day. This includes everyone from Mike Williams and Derius Davis to Brenden Rice and Jalen Regor. Outside of McConkey and likely Tre’ Harris, all roster spots are up for grabs.
The team is looking for a specific group of receivers that complement McConkey and, of course, can contribute as blockers to benefit the running attack and passing game.
Tyler Conklin, TE
Tight ends have always been featured prominently in the Harbaugh/Greg Roman offenses. The Chargers attempted to transform Will Dissly, primarily an inline blocking tight end, into a bona fide offensive weapon. Dissly made a valiant attempt, but left plenty to be desired, especially on third down in the now-infamous playoff game.
They brought in Tyler Conklin to attempt to fill this need. But they also drafted Oronde Gadsden II in the 5th round.
Gadsden has received heaps of praise for his work ethic and playmaking ability. If that can translate into a stellar training camp, he has a chance to usurp playing time from Conklin, thus making Conklin expendable.
Trey Pipkins, OL
It should come as a surprise that Trey Pipkins is costing the Chargers more against the cap than Mekhi Becton and Joe Alt and is the fifth biggest cap hit on the entire team. While he has earned praise from Harbaugh, he isn’t being talked about as one of the starting five players, nor has he been seen competing with the first team. The current lineup is Rashawn Slater, Bradley Bozeman, Zion Johnson, Becton, and Alt.
That said, if the Chargers are eyeing a late offseason addition, say, a trade for Jalen Ramsey, moving on from Pipkins in one form or fashion should be considered.
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