The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2025 offseason with several key players needing new contracts and tough roster decisions looming. Coming off a competitive season where they reached the AFC championship, the Chargers focused on retaining young talent while strategically freeing up salary cap space and roster spots for younger, dynamic players. The tense negotiations in re-signing emerging starters and depth pieces, along with a few notable cuts, will shape the future of the team. Here’s a breakdown of the Chargers’ moves before free agency officially began.
Re-Signs
The Chargers opted to lock in seven key players before they could hit the open market, focusing on developing youth and bolstering both sides of the ball.
- CB Andrew Booth Jr.
Contract: 5 years, $12.5M salary, $10M bonus
Booth Jr. is a 24-year-old outside man corner who will likely start for the Chargers in 2025. With a 78 overall rating, his potential is one of the highlights of this re-signing class. His ability to play tight coverage on the outside, along with his youth, makes him a cornerstone of the team’s future secondary. The team sees Booth Jr. as an ascending talent who can develop into one of the premier corners in the league. He helps complete a starting defensive back room that looked a lot worse just one year ago. - FS Kristian Fulton
Contract: 4 years, $7.2M salary, $8M bonus
At 26 years old and rated 75 overall, Fulton is a versatile defensive back who can play free safety, slot corner, or even step outside when needed. While he’s not projected to start in 2025, Fulton’s experience and ability to fill multiple roles give the Chargers valuable depth in the defensive backfield. With defensive back injuries becoming increasingly common, his presence will be crucial for the team. - CB Aaron Robinson
Contract: 4 years, $8M salary, $4.8M bonus
Another solid addition to the secondary, the 27-year-old Robinson, rated 74 overall, provides the Chargers with flexibility at cornerback. His ability to play both inside and outside positions makes him a reliable backup and rotational player. Robinson’s re-signing solidifies the team’s commitment to maintaining a deep defensive unit, especially in a division loaded with elite passing offenses. This helps both the team stay competitive in unfortunate circumstances and have top talent on special teams, especially punt coverage. - LOLB Daiyan Henley
Contract: 5 years, $10M salary, $11M bonus
Henley, 25, enters the season as one of the Chargers’ most exciting young defensive players. Rated 74 overall, he is an athletic and cerebral linebacker who’s projected to start in 2025 after a great campaign last year alongside Junior Colson, who won Defensive Player of the Year. Henley has shown glimpses of being an impact player with his range and play recognition, and the Chargers are banking on his continued growth to become a leader for their defense. His five-year deal reflects their confidence in his ability to anchor the linebacking corps as Los Angeles moves to a 4-3 with 3 starting off-ball linebackers. - RG Tyler Steen
Contract: 5 years, $13.5M salary, $13.5M bonus
Steen is a versatile offensive lineman at 25 years old, rated 73 overall. He is expected to take on a starting role after proving himself as a strong, durable presence along the line. Known for his toughness and reliability, Steen’s re-signing ensures stability on the right side of the Chargers’ offensive line. The team views him as a long-term solution, essential for protecting their quarterback and opening running lanes. With Alt and Slater at tackle, Los Angeles just needs to beef up their interior line. - DT Jowon Briggs
Contract: 5 years, $14M salary, $16M bonus
At just 24 years old, Briggs is an intriguing defensive line prospect. Rated 72 overall, he has carved out a niche as a run-stopper with flashes of pass-rushing potential. Though he is expected to be a rotational player, the Chargers are high on his upside. His size and strength make him an asset in goal-line and short-yardage situations. The team’s long-term commitment to Briggs signals their belief that he can develop into a more prominent contributor or at least was a sign that they would draft defensive tackles and put some money here for great depth. - MLB Nick Niemann
Contract: 4 years, $5.2M salary, $6.4M bonus
Niemann, 27, is primarily viewed as a special teams ace, with a 69 overall rating and depth role at linebacker. His big frame and elite speed make him an important cog in the Chargers’ special teams unit, where he has thrived. Re-signing Niemann provides continuity in a phase of the game that often goes overlooked but can be the difference in close contests. He is also more than capable of stepping in in their 4-3, as he’ll likely be the 2nd string LB across the board.
Cuts: Tough Financial Decisions
While the Chargers focused on keeping their emerging talent, they also made some difficult decisions to clear cap space by cutting two players still under contract. These moves not only freed up financial flexibility but also signaled a shift in the team’s approach to depth at key positions.
- RG Trey Pipkins III
Pipkins, 28 years old and rated 74 overall, was a seemingly secure presence on the Chargers’ offensive line. However, after an injury that landed him on injured reserve late in the season, the Chargers chose to part ways with him, saving roughly $9 million in cap space. Pipkins had been a reliable starter when healthy, but with the emergence of younger players like Tyler Steen, Ricky Stromberg, and Jamaree Salyer, the Chargers felt comfortable making this move. The savings from cutting Pipkins will give the team more flexibility in addressing other areas of need during free agency or extending core players and acquiring preseason bodies. - HB Gus Edwards
At 30 years old and rated 71 overall, Edwards had a productive career as a power back, but the Chargers opted to release him, saving roughly $3 million. While Edwards wasn’t bad in 2024, his production had begun to decline and the Chargers appeared ready to turn to younger, more dynamic options at running back. Edwards’ release marks the end of his playing career likely, but it opens the door for fresher legs in the backfield, in through the draft or free agency.
By releasing both Pipkins and Edwards, the Chargers saved approximately $12 million, which could be used to pursue key free agents or extend other players as the offseason progresses. These moves reflect a commitment to keeping the roster young and dynamic while maintaining financial flexibility. The Chargers have verbalized their hope to give a lot of players chances in training camps and pre-season.
FA Looming
The Chargers’ approach to the 2025 offseason demonstrates a clear focus on youth, versatility, and long-term development. By re-signing a combination of starters and depth players, they’ve secured important pieces for the future, while cutting ties with veterans like Pipkins and Edwards to create financial breathing room. As free agency looms, the Chargers are positioned to make a splash while relying on a core of ascending players ready to take the next step. With several key positions locked down, this offseason sets the foundation for continued growth and competitiveness in the AFC West. 8 Draft and a whole lot of cash is all that stands between this team and a ferocious pre-season competition for every single roster spot not already claimed. Los Angeles wants to have 53 deep and that is made easier with year-to-year continuity. It’s safe to say all of these players who were re-signed are here for the long haul. The Chargers also retained 12 practice squad players, but it is yet to be known what their roster chances are.
