The Los Angeles Chargers have made significant moves in free agency, both by bringing in high-profile talent and key contributors who aren’t every down players or starters. This phase of the offseason demonstrates the team’s commitment to filling critical roles, adding depth, and maintaining financial flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of the Chargers’ notable free-agent signings for 2025, they had additional signings like WRs Ashton Dulin, Jalen Reagor, and Randall Cobb who may produce in preseason, but have no chance to make the final 53.
1. RE Chase Young
Contract: 7 years, $94.5M salary, $87.5M bonus
Chase Young, 26, was the premier defensive signing of the offseason. Rated 87 overall with superstar ability, Young is one of the league’s elite edge rushers. Known for his explosiveness and ability to disrupt both the pass and run game, Young projects to start opposite Joey Bosa, forming what could be one of the most dominant pass-rushing duos in PML. This pairing could surpass the success of Bosa and Khalil Mack in recent seasons, as Young brings the youth that Mack didn’t have while retaining a high-level talent. His seven-year contract reflects the Chargers’ belief in his long-term impact, setting him up to be a foundational piece of the defense beyond just pairing him with Bosa.
2. P Bryan Anger
Contract: 1 year, $1.2M salary, $0 bonus
At 36 years old, Bryan Anger remains one of PML’s top punters, rated 81 overall. A seasoned veteran, Anger has consistently ranked among the league’s best in hang time and directional punting. His experience will provide stability to the Chargers’ special teams unit. Having been one of the league’s most reliable punters over the past decade, his one-year deal is a low-cost, high-value move, ensuring that the Chargers don’t overlook the importance of field position.
3. ROLB Ernest Jones
Contract: 7 years, $22.4M salary, $26.6M bonus
Jones, 25, joins the Chargers as a key piece for their transition to a 4-3 defense. Rated 79 overall with star potential, he is a physical linebacker known for his run-stuffing ability. He projects to be a starting off-ball linebacker, pairing with Daiyan Henley and Junior Colson to form a formidable linebacking unit. Jones’ versatility and intelligence on the field make him a perfect fit for the new defensive scheme. His seven-year deal demonstrates the Chargers’ belief in his long-term development as a defensive leader. This has the potential to be the best LB room in the league with their array of talent.
4. FS Jimmie Ward
Contract: 1 year, $1.2M salary, $0 bonus
Jimmie Ward, 34, brings veteran leadership and versatility to the Chargers’ secondary. Rated 77 overall, Ward remains a dynamic player despite some physical decline. His extensive experience and ability to play multiple positions in the secondary make him a valuable depth piece. Ward will compete with Rudy Ford for a backup safety role behind X-Factor Derwin James, adding depth and competition to the defensive backfield.
5. RE Calais Campbell
Contract: 1 year, $1.2M salary, $0 bonus
At 39 years old, Calais Campbell is the second-oldest active player in the NFL, behind only Aaron Rodgers at 41 years old. Rated 74 overall, Campbell’s age hasn’t diminished his ability to contribute, particularly in a depth role along the defensive line. His versatility, size, and experience make him an excellent rotational piece, capable of playing inside or outside in various packages. Campbell’s leadership and locker room presence will be invaluable as the Chargers continue to develop younger talent, with everyone on the defensive line besides Joey Bosa and himself being 26 or younger.
6. LT Brady Christensen
Contract: 1 year, $1.1M salary, $0 bonus
Christensen, 28, joins the Chargers as a backup offensive tackle with a 73 overall rating. Specializing in pass protection, he provides depth behind starters Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. His one-year deal allows the Chargers to solidify their offensive line depth with a player capable of stepping in should an injury arise.
7. C Bradley Bozeman
Contract: 1 year, $1.2M salary, $0 bonus
Returning to the Chargers after testing the free-agent market, Bradley Bozeman, 30, offers solid depth at the center position. Rated 72 overall, Bozeman’s reliability across all aspects of line play makes him a valuable backup on the interior. His return ensures continuity along the offensive line as the Chargers bolster their depth with a veteran presence. He wasn’t able to get an offer anywhere else, but is surely glad to stay in Los Angeles.
8. QB Max Duggan
Contract: 2 years, $2M salary, $0 bonus
Duggan, 24, enters his third season in the pros with the potential to develop into a high-end backup. Rated 73 overall, Duggan’s athleticism and success in college give him an edge in his competition with Sam Darnold for the QB2 spot. His two-year deal indicates that the Chargers are intrigued by his potential and are willing to give him time to grow behind their starter.
9. QB Sam Darnold
Contract: 1 year, $1.2M salary, $0 bonus
Darnold, 28, brings experience and familiarity to the Chargers’ quarterback room. Rated 71 overall, he’s a capable backup and will compete directly with Max Duggan for the QB2 role. Darnold’s knowledge of the game and starting experience make him a valuable insurance policy should the Chargers’ starting quarterback miss time.
10. SS Rudy Ford
Contract: 1 year, $1.2M salary, $0 bonus
Returning to the Chargers after exploring free agency, Ford, 30, is rated 70 overall and is a more physically gifted player than Jimmie Ward, despite lacking Ward’s veteran savvy. Ford’s athleticism fits well into a defense designed around Derwin James’ versatility. The competition between Ford and Ward for the depth safety spot will be an interesting battle throughout training camp.
11. LG Kelvin Beachum
Contract: 1 year, $1.2M salary, $0 bonus
Beachum, 36, is another veteran addition to the Chargers’ offensive line depth chart. Rated 69 overall, Beachum brings intelligence and experience to the unit. As the second-oldest active offensive lineman behind Trent Williams, Beachum will provide valuable leadership and support, especially to the younger members of the line. His role as a depth piece is crucial for maintaining consistency along the offensive front.
Additional FA Signings Without Analysis
All of these deals were 1-year minimums to fill out the roster for pre-season and gain game knowledge to pass down to younger players.
WR Randall Cobb, WR Ashton Dulin, WR Jalen Reagor, QB AJ McCarron, HB Ameer Abdullah, TE Geoff Swaim, TE Tyler Kroft, LE David Mayo, DT Danny Shelton, MLB Damien Wilson.
The Chargers’ 2025 free-agent signings have bolstered their roster with a mix of high-end talent and experienced depth. The addition of Chase Young headlines the offseason, but equally important are the veteran pieces brought in to solidify special teams, offensive line depth, and linebacker play. As the Chargers look toward the draft and the remainder of the offseason, these moves set the stage for a balanced and competitive roster in the upcoming season. These moves aren’t as youth-centered as Los Angeles’ other moves, but help just the same, especially with how many of these are 1-year rentals.
This leaves the draft where the Chargers had 8 picks and the subsequent free agency period where they can go after undrafted rookies and give them a shot. Los Angeles still has plenty of cap room to sign their rookies and then some to put together the best 53 they can and “win” the offseason.
