Los Angeles

Chargers

Slater is apparently already running full speed. The 27-year-old stalwart left tackle’s absence was a big reason the Chargers struggled badly in pass protection in 2025. This update doesn’t give clarity on his OTA status, but more than a year removed from tearing his patellar tendon, Slater is likely to be ready for training camp.

Rhim also notes that “the right offer could quickly change” the team’s stance on Johnston, but that the team’s “decision-makers love Johnston.” The third-year vet and former first-round pick is due to have his fifth-year option exercised by May 1st, but it remains to be seen if the Chargers will opt into the extension for the 6-foot-2 speedster. Johnston caught 51 passes for 735 yards and eight touchdowns last season, nearly replicating his 55-711-8 line from 2024. Despite previous reports that Johnston could be available for a trade, it sounds like the belief is the team would prefer to retain him barring an unexpected trade offer they would have no choice but to accept.

Popper lists Harris as a starter and notes that with Keenan Allen unsigned, he should be expected to see more work. Harris’ involvement steadily picked up in the second half of the season and it’s possible he finds fantasy relevance in 2026. However, Quentin Johnston picked up the pace last year and figures to be involved as well.

This is seemingly contingent on Keenan Allen not returning, as Popper notes that Allen and McConkey occupy similar areas of the field and says he believes the Chargers should move on from Allen. However, The Athletic’s Chargers beat reporter notes that “I can see McDaniel maximizing McConkey’s shiftiness and yards-after-the-catch ability on some of these same concepts.” It’s possible that McConkey resurfaces in the WR2 conversation this year.

Chark, 29, last stepped foot on an NFL field as a member of the Falcons in two 2025 preseason games. He was released before the regular season began and did not sign with a new team. Chark spent the first four seasons of his career with the Jaguars after they drafted him via a second-round pick in 2018. He produced career highs across the board in 2019, catching 73-of-114 targets for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns, and earned Pro Bowl honors for his efforts. He spent 2022 with the Lions, 2023 with the Panthers and 2024 with the Chargers. Over the course of his career, Chark caught 216-of-393 targets for 3,100 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Fanatics’ social media account broke the news, saying James suffered the injury “earlier in the week prior to reporting to the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.” He will be replaced in the lineup by free agent S Harrison Smith, the longtime Viking. We sure would like to know if the injury occurred while training for the flag football tournament, but that part remains unclear. James was set to play for Team Wildcat alongside former and current NFL players, including Eagles RB Saquon Barkley, 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Rams WR Davante Adams. We wish all involved good health. Hopefully, we get clarification on James’ injury before long.

The Chargers have used free agency to stockpile players custom made for McDaniel’s Shanahan-style offense, including fullback Alex Ingold and tight end Charlie Kolar. Popper describes Kolar as “an elite run blocker who is an ideal fit in McDaniel’s movement offense” who “will allow Oronde Gadsden to play in a role that maximizes the 2025 fifth-round pick’s receiving skill set.” Gadsden was a welcome surprise in fantasy circles last season, totaling 664 yards and three touchdowns on 49 receptions. He ranked 14th among 50 qualifying tight ends in yards per route run, in line with Tyler Warren and Harold Fannin. If he runs 60 or 70 percent of the Chargers’ routes in 2026, Gadsden could be a tight end to target late in drafts.

Popper, like other observers and analysts, says Mitchell is a great fit for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s rushing offense. Mitchell last week signed a two-year contract with LA worth $9.3 million. The explosive Mitchell, who last season ran for 341 yards at a 5.8 yards per carry clip in Baltimore, compares favorably to De’Von Achane, who was one of the NFL’s most efficient backs in McDaniel’s system in Miami. Though Omarion Hampton is likely to remain the Chargers’ lead back in 2026, Mitchell could see a handful of designed touches that might make hum flex viable in what should be a run-first Bolts offense. Mitchell would have a shot at RB1 duties in 2026 if Hampton once again struggles with injuries.

Jefferson retired in 2023, with most of his best seasons coming under John Harbaugh in Baltimore. He came out of retirement to play for Jim Harbaugh in LA two seasons ago and didn’t miss a beat. He appeared in 13 games with eight starts last year and also started the team’s lone postseason contest. Jefferson broke up seven passes, stole four interceptions, and logged a combined 57 tackles. A $2 million contract suggests a minor role for him this season, but he has proven to be a valuable depth option for the perennially-injured Chargers.

The 49ers drafted Burford as a fourth-round pick back in 2022. This is his first time hitting the free agent market. Burford injured his knee in Week 2 against the Saints and was placed on injured reserve. He returned in Week 9 and manned the left guard spot from there on out. Burford performance can be somewhat volatile. He generally grades out as a replacement-level player and most recently earned a 62.6 PFF run-blocking grade in the 2025 regular season. The Chargers’ offensive line was hit hard by injuries last season. Adding Burford could improve its depth.