Veteran leadership, star power and locker-room identity all hang in the balance. Several cornerstone players are nearing the end of their deals, turning long-term planning into an urgent front-office exercise.

What comes next could redefine the team’s direction. Decisions made in the months ahead may signal whether L.A. is doubling down on its core or preparing for a new NFL competitive cycle.

Los Angeles Chargers free agents in 2026

Los Angeles enters the 2026 offseason with a long list of players eligible to hit the open market, and positioning for the future looms large in every front-office discussion. Several notable names — including running back Najee Harris, receiver Keenan Allen and edge rusher Khalil Mack — are listed among the unrestricted free agents who could test free agency this March.

Contract expirations are a natural pressure point in the NFL calendar, especially for teams trying to stay competitive year over year. As deals run out, the team must weigh continuity against flexibility, balancing performance, age and financial impact within a tightly managed salary cap.

For the franchise, these moments often define more than a single season. Allowing contracts to expire can open space for reinvention, while renewals can signal commitment to a specific core. Either path carries consequences that extend well beyond the offseason.

The big news for Jim Harbaugh’s squad was the return of Khalil Mack, who had missed several games leading up to Week 7 due to an elbow injury. However, the former Bears star didn’t see action throughout the entire game.

After playing just 12 of the team’s 60 defensive snaps in the game against Indianapolis, it was only natural that media questions turned to when the linebacker expects to be back at 100% alongside the rest of the squad.

“Just trying to be as smart as possible, but I want to win,” Mack said, via Elliott Teaford of the Orange County Register. “I want to win football games. . . . I love football, I want to play first down, second down, third down, fourth down — all the downs. At this point, we’ve got to be smart about where I’m at.”

What injury did Mack have?

Los Angeles Chargers star outside linebacker Khalil Mack sustained an elbow injury in the first quarter of the team’s Week 2 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The veteran pass rusher was taken out of the game after his arm bent back awkwardly during a tackle near the end of the first quarter. Mack was subsequently placed on injured reserve, missing the following four games due to the injury, which was reported to be a dislocated elbow.

Living on the edge

One of the statistics that worries the Los Angeles Chargers the most right now is the number of hits their star player, Justin Herbert, has taken. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Herbert has absorbed 62 hits — the most of any quarterback in the NFL. The QB understands this is something the team must inevitably improve in the short term, although he knows his teammates are doing their best to protect him.

“Probably the really big ones. As long as you’re doing everything you can to recover after games, you’re gonna get back to your normal self. I think we’ve done a great job in the weight room being able to handle some of those hits,” he said via The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Staying in the hunt

With the goal of staying in the NFC West race and keeping pace with the Broncos, the Chargers will host the Minnesota Vikings next Thursday at SoFi Stadium. This promises to be a high-flying Thursday Night Football showdown in the NFL.

Quarterback Justin Herbert and his teammates cannot afford another slip-up at this point in the season, as any stumble could deliver a serious blow to the team’s playoff hopes.

The Los Angeles Chargers started the season 3-0. Then injuries plagued them and lost two straight after a bounce back win last Sunday. Justin Herbert is trying to keep things afloat but good news are coming for him and head coach Jim Harbaugh. The team is recovering two playmakers in defense.

The Chargers activated edge rusher Khalil Mack and linebacker Denzel Perryman from injured reserve. Mack injured his elbow during Week 2 and Perryman suffered an ankle injury just eight snaps into the season.

Now that both are back, the pass rush and run defense of the team should get massive boosts. Mack had a sack already in the season before being sidelined. Perryman is a former Pro Bowler who brings plenty of IQ and tackling ability to the team.

Mack is arguably Chargers’ best pass rusher

Mack is a nine-time Pro Bowler, three-time All Pro and one-time Defensive Player of the Year. He is 34 years old now so his best days are behind him. However, he had six sacks last year and made the Pro Bowl. Mack is a force to be reckoned with. He will take advantage of one-on-ones and force double teams, allowing his teammates to get to the quarterback too.

He has 108.5 career sacks and could very well be on pace to a Hall of Fame selection. His resume is too good to ignore. Now, under Harbaugh, he is a team captain and his output goes beyond his stats.

The defense missed these two

Herbert and the offense have tried to do their thing, although the offensive line and running back rooms have also been stomped by injuries. However, the defense has suffered without Mack and Perryman.

Since Week 3, which is when both were sidelined, the Chargers have allowed 20 or more points in all games. The last two weeks they’ve allowed 389 and 341 total yards respectively. Having them back will really make Jim Harbaugh’s team a much better one.

Prior to the 2025 NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers decided to release Shilo Sanders. He is currently a free agent, waiting for another opportunity to play in the league.

A few days ago, the Chargers lost Khalil Mack and placed him on IR, meaning he will miss at least four games. To fill the gap, the AFC West club strengthened its defense by signing a new safety—though it was not Shilo Sanders.

Who is the new safety that the Chargers signed for Week 3?

In Week 2, Khalil Mack suffered an elbow injury that will require at least four weeks of recovery. The team does not expect him to miss more games, but it is undoubtedly a significant loss for the Chargers.

With Mack on injured reserve, a spot opened up on the 53-man roster. Head coach Jim Harbaugh chose not to sign another linebacker and instead decided to add a safety.

Even though Shilo Sanders was available, the Chargers went in a different direction. On Thursday, Los Angeles signed safety Tony Jefferson to their active roster to fill the spot vacated by Mack.

Tony Jefferson is a 33-year-old veteran safety who entered the league in 2013 as an undrafted player. He has played for the Cardinals, Ravens, 49ers, Giants, and Chargers, with his most successful stint coming in Baltimore.

Jefferson joined Los Angeles in 2024 and has since been signed and released multiple times. He has yet to secure a permanent spot on the 53-man roster, but this presents a good opportunity for him to prove his value.

Why is no team signing Shilo Sanders?

When the Buccaneers released Shilo Sanders, many fans expected him to sign with another team, possibly even joining his brother Shedeur at the Browns. However, he remains a free agent despite several teams needing a safety.

According to reports, Sanders’ attitude and mindset have made teams hesitant to sign him. Additionally, going undrafted in 2025 does not help his case, leaving him without a team for now.

Harbaugh didn’t have much to say after the Chargers’ victory over the Raiders. He referred to the MRI that will take place on Tuesday, September 16, and from there on out they will “see where it takes us,” but he didn’t say who could replace the defensive player if he can’t return for the other games.

In the video of Mack’s injury, you can clearly see that his elbow is severely compromised. David J. Chao of ProFootballDoc commented on this, predicting a “left elbow subluxation/dislocation. Hard to return today but can in coming weeks with brace. No surgery despite torn elbow ligaments. To xray to rule out radial head fracture.”

Will the Chargers’ Defense Suffer Without Mack?

So far this season, the Chargers’ defense is in the top 20 after only two weeks. With only 30 points allowed in two games, it has an average of 15 points per game. Without Mack, things could get slightly complicated for the team, especially since he was healthy for almost the entire season last year.

In 2024, the Chargers were the number one defense in the NFL according to Pro Football Reference. At least during the regular season, they allowed 17.7 points per game, and Mack appeared in 16 games, meaning he only missed one game all year.

The Next Three Games

At least for the next three weeks, the games will not be so complicated for the Chargers’ defense, with or without Mack. They will have to face the Broncos, Giants, and Commanders. Two of those games are at home, so they will have a certain advantage and time to make adjustments without Mack on defense.

Since entering the league out of USC, Tuli Tuipulotu has quickly become a cornerstone of Jim Harbaugh’s defense. Alongside Khalil Mack, the linebacker duo has consistently been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

During a recent media session, the talented pass rusher made it clear that his goal is to elevate his performance starting in Week 1—continuing the upward trajectory he’s shown since entering the NFL in 2023.

“I feel like every year I come into, it has to be a big year,” he said per the team website. “That was my mindset coming into last year and it’s going to be the same mindset coming into this year.”

He also added: “To be honest, I’ve been starting since my rookie year, last year and if that’s my role this year, it’s going to feel the same.”

Tuipulotu’s respect for Khalil Mack runs deep

Since entering the league, Tuipulotu has looked to Khalil Mack as a major influence on the field and a valuable teammate to lean on—not just in football terms, but emotionally as well.

Speaking to the media, the former USC Trojan made it clear that he hopes to, in some way, emulate the work ethic and impact of his teammate—someone who continues to inspire him to become a better player week after week.

“My standard is to play [like] Khalil (Mack). He is the standard,” Tuipulotu said Friday. “I’m doing my best so there’s no drop off like, ‘Khalil is here, let’s slide to him.’

“We got to make it so there’s two elite edge rushers on the side where we could both go and dominate, they don’t know who to slide to or who to double, who to chip. He’s the standard, that’s what I’m chasing.”

Tuipulotu’s growing influence inside the locker room

Justin Herbert has undoubtedly become one of the most influential leaders on the Chargers‘ roster—but Tuli Tuipulotu is beginning to generate a similar impact among his teammates, both on and off the field.

“I think he’s got a great personality, he’s got a great vibe to him,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said of Tuipulotu. “Guys like being around him, guys like talking to him, guys don’t mind when he speaks every once in a while.

“He’s ascending into that type of role, and ultimately I just want him to be himself. If he’s the best version of himself, we’ll be happy with what we get out of it.”

Khalil Mack, one of the top players for the Chargers, has agreed to extend his stay in Los Angeles for one more year, meaning Harbaugh’s team still boasts a tremendous strength in this department.

The news was reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter, who, through his official X (formerly Twitter) account, provided more details about the agreement between the Pro Bowler and the LA franchise.

“Just ahead of free agency, former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack reached agreement today on a one-year, fully-guaranteed $18 million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, per sources. Chargers get back their pass-rush standout,” Schefter reported via @AdamSchefter.

“Khalil Mack has been a Pro-Bowl selection in all three seasons with the Chargers. Officially, they’ll enter 2025 without Joey Bosa—who was released after nine seasons—but Mack is back in the fold,” the insider also added.

What does the future hold for Joey Bosa in the NFL?

The Chargers made one of the most surprising decisions of this NFL offseason: cutting talented Joey Bosa after nine seasons with the franchise. With an eye on what’s ahead, the linebacker has reportedly chosen a new team ahead of next season.

Although he hasn’t expressed it publicly, the LB is believed to have serious intentions of joining his brother on the same roster for the first time in his career. This points to the former Ohio State standout’s desire to team up with Nick on the San Francisco 49ers.

“Meanwhile, I’ve heard Joey Bosa and 49ers are having good conversations and this feels like it’s headed toward a deal. Nothing is done, but the Bosa brothers want to be together and probably will get there this year. Which likely means this will be a moderate deal + incentives,” Tim Kawakami reported via @timkawakami.

Despite this situation, one of the league’s top defenders will continue playing for at least one more year. However, his presence on Jim Harbaugh‘s team is not yet certain, and his future could lie with another franchise.

The news was confirmed by NFL insider Adam Schefter, who, through his X (formerly Twitter) account @AdamSchefter, stated that Mack has decided to play at the highest level for at least one more year.

“Nine-time Pro-Bowl LB Khalil Mack, who said after the Chargers’ postseason loss to the Texans that he needed to take some time to mull his future, will indeed play in the 2025 season, per source. Mack’s contract is up and he is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent,” Schefter stated.

Where will Mack’s next destination be?

As reported by journalist Adam Schefter through his X account, linebacker Khalil Mack’s contract with Los Angeles is up, and he is currently scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.

With these cards on the table, what remains to be seen is where the former Chicago Bears player will go next. His desire to win a Super Bowl before retiring could be a sign of him joining a contender, although there are still no confirmations of any franchise inquiring about his services.

The situation of Ezekiel Elliott

Ezekiel Elliott joined the Chargers’ practice squad in recent days, but after the playoff elimination at the hands of the Houston Texans, his stint in Los Angeles has come to an end.

According to journalist Tom Pelissero, all players on the practice squad who were eliminated in the wild card round have their contracts automatically voided.

This is why the former Cowboys and Patriots player will have to look for new opportunities this offseason. Despite his great talent, the RB’s recent years have not been at his prime, and it remains uncertain where he will land next season.

The Chargers have enjoyed a strong 2024 NFL season. Earlier this year, the AFC West club decided to end its coaching experiments by hiring Jim Harbaugh, a move that is quickly yielding the expected results.

In his first season with Los Angeles, Jim Harbaugh is just a few steps away from leading the Chargers to the playoffs. Fortunately for the team, their playoff hopes were bolstered by a crucial win over the Broncos in Week 16.

Khalil Mack delivers powerful message to Justin Herbert after defeating the Broncos

It has been an outstanding year for the Chargers. The AFC West club endured several years of struggles, despite having a talented roster led by a star-studded offense featuring Justin Herbert.

While Herbert was previously regarded as one of the league’s top quarterbacks, his potential was often held back by the lack of a strong coaching staff. However, things have changed dramatically this season.

With Jim Harbaugh now at the helm, Justin Herbert has significantly improved his passing skills and decision-making. His growth is not just noticeable to fans, but to his own teammates as well.

After a decisive win in Week 16 over the Broncos, Khalil Mack expressed deep appreciation for having Herbert by his side. The edge rusher acknowledged Herbert’s undeniable leadership and thanked him for elevating the team.

“It speaks to the leadership and the person that he is,” Khalil Mack said, via the team’s website. “Laying his body on the line for us, that does a hell of a thing to a team when you got a quarterback that’s fighting through what he’s fighting through and laying his body out there for us and doing what he does.”

Have the Chargers already clinched a spot in the 2024 playoffs?

Week 16 was crucial for the Chargers in their quest to make the playoffs. While the team secured a big win, they are not yet officially in the next round, but could be determined this weekend.

If the Bengals, Dolphins, and Colts lose, the Chargers, Broncos, and Ravens would be the Wild Card teams in the AFC. However, further matchups would need to be decided to determine their positions.

In postgame comments, Mack dismissed the challenge of facing Derrick Henry and the Ravens. “I don’t think it’s hard to play against that guy, and hopefully we see this team again,” Mack stated. During the game, he recorded four total tackles, including one quarterback hit, but his words overshadowed his contributions on the field.

Mack didn’t stop there. He emphasized his desire for another matchup with the Ravens, expressing confidence in his style of play and his ability to counter teams like Baltimore. Despite leading after the first quarter, the Chargers were unable to maintain their edge, failing to win another quarter and ultimately falling short.

The three-time Chargers defender has now played nine games this season after missing time due to injury. With 26 tackles in 2024, Mack remains a critical piece of the Chargers’ defense. In his previous two seasons with the franchise, he started all 17 games.

Derrick Henry Dominates Without Scoring

Derrick Henry continued his dominant form with 140 rushing yards against the Chargers, but he surprisingly didn’t reach the end zone. One near-touchdown was overturned by officials, denying him a crucial moment. Henry carried the ball 24 times, far more than the combined rushing attempts of the Chargers’ entire offense, showcasing how integral he is to the Ravens’ game plan.

Will Ravens and Chargers Face Off Again?

There are no additional regular-season matchups between the Ravens and Chargers in 2024. However, with both teams aiming for postseason contention, a rematch in the playoffs remains a possibility.

Salary caps keep rising, TV and endorsement deals keep piling up, which means sports franchises are making billions and, obviously, their playersare second in line when it comes to cashing a huge check.

So, after taking a look at Patrick Mahomes’ massive deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, we can be sure that it’s just a matter of time before the next star tops his numbers, regardless of if he deserves that much money or not. That’s why today, we’re going to let you know about the top 5 biggest contracts in NFL history:

5. Andrew Luck – 6 years, $139M

Andrew Luck broke millions of hearts when he suddenly announced his retirement from the NFL weeks after the start of last year’s regular season, especially considering how invested the Indianapolis Colts were on him as their cornerstone for the future.

The former 1st overall pick had proved his worth as a dual-threat quarterback during his time in the league, thus the team signed him to a huge 6-year extension in 2016. Sadly, injuries riddled his career and his desire to stay in the gridiron.

4. Russell Wilson – 4 years, $140M

It didn’t take long before Russell Wilson took his place as one of the league’s top-tier quarterbacks. The former 75th overall pick proved his doubters wrong and led the Seattle Seahawks to a couple of Super Bowls, winning one of them.

Wilson set the standardfor dual-threat quarterbacks in the league right now. He’s mobile, agile, durable, and is a master at making plays out of nothing. That’s why the Seahawks inked him to a deal that got him $35 million a year.

3. Khalil Mack – 6 years, $141M

Khalil Mack is the only player that’s not a quarterback on this list. That’s just how incredibly good and dominant he is. He’s the highest-paid defender in the history of football and by a very long stretch.

Mack is a game-changer. He’s the kind of guy every franchise on earth would die for, and the Bears want him anchoring their defense for many more years to come. Thus, they’re paying him $23.5 million a year.

2. Matt Ryan – 5 years, $150M

Matt Ryan is constantly among the league’s leaders in passing yards, rating, passing touchdowns, and completions, even though there are still some questions about his ability to lead a winning football team.

The Falcons were pretty sold on him after his MVP season and had no doubt on their minds that ‘Matty Ice’ was their guy going forward. They’re paying him $30 million a year, a move many people questioned at the time.

1. Patrick Mahomes – 10 years, $477M

Is it crazy to say that a guy that’s about to get half a billion dollars isn’t overpaid? Well, that’s just how good Patrick Mahomes is. It seems like no number is too high for him as he has a legit shot at ending up being the greatest quarterback of all time. That’s why no one is criticizing this deal, which could gethim as much as $503 million with bonuses.

Mahomes has been in the league since 2017. He alreadyled the league in passing touchdowns, has 76 career touchdowns,9,412 passing yards, 2 Pro-Bowl selections, 1 MVP, 1 Offensive Player of the Year award, 1 Super Bowl, and 1 Super Bowl MVP. He’s just 24 years old and salary cap numbers are always going to keep rising. Believe it or not, the Chiefs got a bargain.