The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for an exciting 2026-2027 PML season, with numerous preseason position battles to watch. Here’s an in-depth look at each contest, highlighting the players vying for roles and what’s at stake as the 75 gets cut down over the next month into 53.
QB2
Max Duggan
Max Duggan, a standout at TCU, is known for his grit, leadership, and dual-threat capabilities. During his college career, Duggan demonstrated his ability to lead comeback victories and play under pressure. His athleticism and toughness make him a strong candidate for a backup role, as he can step in and keep the offense dynamic if needed. However, he hasn’t been tested as the Chargers backup and hasn’t looked particularly strong in his pro stints.
Seth Henigan
Seth Henigan, coming off a productive career at Memphis, showcases an impressive arm and quick decision-making skills. Known for his high football IQ and poise in the pocket, Henigan is an intriguing developmental piece. He has shown flashes of brilliance in preseason practices, with accurate throws and a willingness to push the ball downfield. He had a brilliant game for Kansas City as a rookie, but was replaced by Sam Darnold and will be playing his first football since this preseason.
Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford, the former Super Bowl champion, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. Having spent years as a starter in PML, Stafford’s ability to read defenses and make clutch throws is unmatched. Though in the twilight of his career, his presence in the QB room provides invaluable mentorship to younger players and a well-oiled motor of a brain to process the field.
HB4/Special Teamer
Kyle Monongai
Kyle Monongai, a Rutgers product, impressed scouts with his explosiveness and vision in college. Known for his ability to make defenders miss, Monongai also brings value as a kick returner. His strong work ethic and versatility make him a dark horse candidate to secure a roster spot and contribute on special teams. He’d be able to step in to any running back role as well.
Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott, the former elite RB, remains a powerful runner and reliable pass protector. Though his production has slowed in recent years, Elliott’s veteran presence and experience in critical situations could prove invaluable. He also brings leadership to the running back room, mentoring younger players and adding depth to the offense.
FB
Sam Roush
Sam Roush, a Stanford alum, was a tight end in college but excels in traditional fullback duties, such as lead blocking and short-yardage runs. His physicality and strong football instincts make him a reliable option in power-run schemes. Roush’s ability to protect the quarterback in passing situations adds another layer of utility to his game. At 243 pounds, he can hold his own with many edge rushers.
Chamon Metayer
Chamon Metayer, out of Arizona State, was also a college tight end turned modern hybrid fullback with impressive athleticism. His ability to line up in multiple positions, as a receiver, blocker, or even occasional ball carrier, makes him a versatile weapon. Metayer’s knack for finding open space in the passing game could provide the Chargers with creative offensive options. However, he tore his achilles and will miss the entirety of the upcoming campaign. Congratulations Sam Roush! Get better soon Chamon!
TE3
Will Dissly
Will Dissly, a Washington alum, has carved out a reputation as a dependable blocker and occasional red-zone target. His experience in both run and pass protection makes him a valuable asset. Though not the flashiest player, Dissly’s consistency and understanding of offensive schemes make him a coach’s favorite. He’s been with the Chargers for two seasons and his all-around play and team first mentality cannot be undervalued.
Elijah Higgins
Elijah Higgins, a product of Stanford just like Roush, is a raw but athletically gifted tight end. Standing at 6’3” with excellent speed for his size, Higgins has the physical tools to develop into a playmaker. While he requires further polish in route running and a lot of help blocking, his upside makes him an exciting prospect to watch.
Austin Hooper
Austin Hooper, a two-time Pro Bowler, brings veteran savvy and reliable hands to the competition. Known for his ability to find soft spots in zone coverage, Hooper has been a consistent target throughout his career. His experience and polished skill set could make him a safety net for the Chargers’ quarterbacks although the options ahead of him both seem to be better fits.
WR5 + WR6
Cornelius Johnson
Cornelius Johnson, a former Michigan standout, offers size and speed that make him a deep threat. His ability to stretch the field and win contested catches has been evident during preseason practices. Additionally, Johnson’s willingness to contribute on special teams could enhance his chances of securing a roster spot. He had a solid season with 200 yards and two touchdowns last year in LA.
Derius Davis
Derius Davis, a TCU alum, is a dynamic playmaker with exceptional speed and elusiveness. Known for his work as a return specialist in college, Davis has the ability to flip field position in an instant. His versatility and explosiveness make him an exciting option for the Chargers’ special teams and offense. He had around 200 yards and two touchdowns combined rushing and receiving last season being used in various ways.
Mike Evans
Mike Evans, a four-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, is one of the most consistent receivers in PML history. With nine consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, Evans brings elite size, hands, and experience. His ability to dominate in the red zone makes him a valuable asset for any offense. He is much less athletically gifted as he’s aged, but the size, leadership, and mentorship he could bring is important.
Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr., a three-time Pro Bowler, remains one of the league’s most electrifying receivers when healthy. Known for his spectacular catches and big-play ability, Beckham adds star power and veteran experience. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations could give the Chargers an edge in critical moments. He may be just too old now, though.
C
Mitch Morse
Mitch Morse, a veteran from Missouri, is known for his consistency and high football IQ. With years of experience anchoring offensive lines, Morse excels in pass protection and calling out defensive alignments. His reliability and leadership make him a trusted presence at the center position. Despite being into his 30s, he has still played at a high level.
Wendell Moe
Wendell Moe, a rookie out of Arizona, has quickly gained attention for his insane strength and tenacity. A strong run blocker with a relentless motor, Moe has shown steady improvement in his technique. While he’s still developing, his potential to grow into a game-changer makes him a valuable player like Jason Kelce was for the Eagles.
Final Backup OL Spot
Graham Glasgow
Graham Glasgow, a Michigan alum, is a versatile lineman capable of playing guard or center. With nearly a decade of PML experience, Glasgow’s adaptability and football intelligence make him an ideal backup across any position and scheme. His ability to step in seamlessly at multiple positions adds tremendous value to the roster.
La’el Collins
La’el Collins, a former LSU star, brings toughness and physicality to the offensive line. Known for his prowess in run blocking, Collins has also been effective in pass protection. While injuries have limited his availability in recent years, his talent and experience make him a strong contender for the spot.
Laken Tomlinson
Laken Tomlinson, a Duke graduate, is a seasoned guard with a history of durability and consistency. His ability to anchor the interior line and open running lanes has been a hallmark of his game. Tomlinson’s leadership and professionalism make him a valuable addition to any offensive line group. All three players are similar and trying their best to stand out and win the spot.
EDGE5 + EDGE6
Josaiah Stewart
Josaiah Stewart, a Michigan alum, is a high-motor edge rusher with a knack for getting to the quarterback. Despite being undersized, Stewart uses his speed and leverage to outmaneuver offensive tackles. His relentless work ethic and potential to disrupt plays make him an exciting prospect, although he was largely ineffective in limited snaps in his rookie year.
Wesley Bailey
Wesley Bailey, from Rutgers, is a promising young pass rusher with excellent length and athleticism at 6’5 252. Known for his ability to rush the passer, Bailey also flashes potential as a run stopper rusher. With continued development, he could grow into a valuable rotational piece and even a starter as Joey Bosa passes on knowledge, but loses his ability to play at a high level.
Nelson Caesar III
Nelson Caesar III, out of Houston, combines strength and agility to make an impact on the edge. His power moves and ability to collapse the pocket have stood out in preseason practices, but his run stopping has been most impressive. Caesar and Bailey seem to compliment each other quite well, an advantage for the rookies.
Dante Fowler
Dante Fowler, a former first-round pick, has a proven track record as a situational pass rusher. Known for his explosiveness and ability to force turnovers, Fowler brings valuable experience to the competition. His leadership and knack for big plays could earn him a critical role on the team, although he has lost a step now at 32 years old.
Can Earn a Spot by Making a Splash
DT David Gusta
David Gusta, from Wahsington State, is a powerful defensive tackle with a strong ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage despite being under 300 pounds. His quick first step and hand technique make him a tough matchup for interior linemen. With a strong preseason, Gusta could earn a spot as a rotational defensive lineman. He’d have a better chance if there wasn’t such a strong room ahead of him.
FS Dante Trader Jr.
Dante Trader Jr., a Maryland alum, is a rangy free safety with excellent instincts. Known for his ability to read quarterbacks and break on the ball in deep zone coverafe, Trader also excels in special teams coverage. His versatility and football IQ make him a valuable candidate for a roster spot if he can outperform someone.
SS A.J. Haulcy
A.J. Haulcy, out of Houston, is a hard-hitting run-stopping strong safety with a nose for the football. His physicality and ability to play in the box make him an asset against the run. Haulcy’s energy and willingness to contribute on special teams could secure him a role on the roster, but he has a ways to go in coverage. He plays at a high level, with a pick six in his first preseason game, he isn’t the fastest and that matters in a league dominated by guys like Xavier Worthy, Kyle Pitts, and Dylan Sampson.
As the Chargers navigate these position battles, the decisions made will shape the depth and dynamics of their roster heading into the 2026-2027 season. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, the team has the potential to build a well-rounded and competitive squad.
