Inglewood, CA — As the 2024 regular season concludes, the Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in an intriguing position. Coming off an 11-6 season and securing the 5th seed in the AFC, the Chargers are set to face the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round. But before looking too far ahead, the team has several key offensive players with expiring contracts, and their futures in LA are uncertain. Here’s a breakdown of the players and predictions on whether the Chargers will try to bring them back or let them walk.
JK Dobbins: Let Walk
At 25, Dobbins showcased flashes of brilliance despite being the third-string running back, rushing for 450 yards and scoring five touchdowns on limited carries. He broke 17 tackles, proving he’s still a tough runner. However, with Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal locked in for next year and ahead of him on the depth chart, the Chargers likely won’t spend to keep a high end third-string option. Dobbins could find a more prominent role on a team in need of a bruising back, but LA seems set at the position without committing to him long-term.
Hayden Hurst: Short Extension
Hurst, the starting tight end, had a solid year with 706 receiving yards and three touchdowns, proving reliable with zero drops over 706 snaps. At 31, he’s nearing the later stages of his career, but his consistency as a pass-catcher and blocker makes him valuable. While the Chargers will likely look for a younger tight end in the near future, a short extension (1-2 years) seems probable to give them some stability while they develop a younger option.
DJ Chark Jr.: Short Extension
Chark’s 514 receiving yards and impressive eight touchdowns made him an efficient weapon from the WR3 spot. At just 27, Chark still has good football ahead of him, but his role as the third option behind the much younger Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston might limit his market value. The Chargers will likely keep him around on a short extension to preserve continuity and depth at wide receiver without making a huge financial commitment.
Bradley Bozeman: Short Extension
As the backup center, Bozeman provided dependable protection, allowing no sacks in 350 snaps. At 29, he still has a few solid years left, and depth on the offensive line is always a priority. The Chargers could offer him a short extension to ensure they have a quality backup for starting center Connor McGovern.
Sam Mustipher: Let Walk
Mustipher, the backup right tackle, also allowed no sacks but played just 132 snaps this season. At 28, he could be a serviceable backup elsewhere, but the limited playing time and the emergence of younger offensive linemen likely mean the Chargers will move on from Mustipher, focusing on developing younger talent for depth.
Taylor Heinicke: Let Walk
As the backup quarterback, Heinicke saw limited action, throwing for just 56 yards and turning the ball over three times (one interception, two fumbles). At 31, he didn’t do enough to warrant a new contract. The Chargers will likely look elsewhere for a backup QB, potentially through the draft or free agency.
Eric Tomlinson: Let Walk
Tomlinson, the third-string tight end, had a quiet season with just five catches for 62 yards and minimal impact on offense. At 32, his best days are behind him, and the Chargers will likely let him walk as they reshape the tight end depth chart with younger talent.
Luke Benson: Short Extension
Benson, the starting fullback, contributed as a versatile player, tallying 38 rushing yards and 39 receiving yards. At just 23, he’s young enough for the Chargers to see continued development. Fullbacks are becoming a rarity, but Benson’s solid performance suggests he’ll be brought back on a short extension, especially given his age and room for growth.
Alex Leatherwood: Let Walk
Leatherwood, a backup left tackle, played only six snaps this season, a limited sample size to make a big impression. At 25, he still has potential, but his lack of playing time suggests the Chargers aren’t fully committed to him. He’ll likely walk, seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
Connor McGovern: Long-Term Extension
McGovern had a strong season as the starting center, allowing just one sack over 620 snaps. At 31, he remains one of the league’s better centers and a vital cog in the Chargers’ offensive line. LA will likely aim to lock him up on a long-term deal to provide stability at a critical position.
Tyler Steen: Long-Term Extension
Steen, the starting right guard, allowed two sacks but played well overall in 518 snaps. At 24, he’s one of the youngest players on the line and already a starter. The Chargers will likely extend Steen for the long haul, viewing him as a key piece of their offensive line moving forward.
As the Chargers head into the playoffs, the front office will have difficult decisions to make in the offseason. While several players, particularly veterans, may find new homes, a core group of younger talent like Tyler Steen and Luke Benson will likely remain as LA continues to build a formidable offensive unit for the future with strong continuity.
