GM Taylor simulates a cap-conscious offseason, strategically shedding veterans and trading for draft picks to build a sustainable, competitive Chargers roster.
This Electric Edge episode is a front-office thought experiment, with Taylor stepping into the GM chair and running the Chargers through a full offseason using the “Stick to the Model” simulator. The goal isn’t splashy headlines — it’s building a sustainable, cap-conscious roster that aligns with the team’s long-term direction.
The show opens with cap management, where Taylor clears space by moving on from a handful of veterans and identifying contracts that don’t match the team’s future priorities. The approach is pragmatic: cut or move off inefficient deals, then create flexibility through restructures for core players like Justin Herbert and Rashawn Slater, while locking in foundational pieces such as Derwin James. The emphasis is on creating a healthier cap sheet without gutting the roster.
From there, the episode explores a major trade scenario. Taylor packages Quinton Johnston and a first-round pick to acquire additional draft capital along with Isaiah McGuire and tight end David Njoku. The move is framed as a way to both address immediate roster needs and give the Chargers more flexibility across multiple rounds of the draft.
Free agency is handled with restraint. Instead of chasing expensive names, the strategy centers on retaining key contributors at team-friendly numbers while targeting specific, functional upgrades. The focus is especially strong on the offensive line and defensive depth, with signings designed to raise the overall floor of the roster rather than just chasing star power.
With a deeper pool of draft picks after the trade, the simulation leans heavily into filling structural needs: offensive line reinforcements, secondary depth, edge help, and an athletic tight end to diversify the offense. The philosophy is clear — build out the trenches, add versatile contributors, and create competition across the roster.
The simulated offseason finishes with an “A” grade, driven by improved cap health, added depth, and a more balanced roster. The main takeaway is that a disciplined, model-driven approach could give the Chargers both short-term competitiveness and long-term stability, even if it comes with some calculated cap risks down the line.