The Chargers showed promise in 2025, but several key players fell short of expectations. From offensive line struggles to defensive regression, these four disappointing performances highlight the biggest roster questions Joe Hortiz must address this offseason.
The season did not end the way the Los Angeles Chargers would have liked, but there were still plenty of positive performances to build on. Jim Harbaugh helped establish a stronger foundation, and several players took steps forward. However, not everyone lived up to expectations, and those shortcomings played a major role in the Chargers falling short of their ultimate goals.
General manager Joe Hortiz will have money to spend this offseason as he looks to improve the roster. There are several holes that need to be addressed if the Chargers want to take the next step toward becoming legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Unfortunately, some of those holes were created by players who were expected to be strengths.
Which players were the most disappointing for the Chargers this season?
Bradley Bozeman. Bradley Bozeman was among the biggest weaknesses on the roster this season. Far too often, the veteran center was pushed directly into the lap of quarterback Justin Herbert. Even more concerning were the snaps where Bozeman allowed untouched pass rushers to come straight up the middle, completely disrupting the offense before plays could develop.
Despite the obvious deficiencies at the position, offensive coordinator Greg Roman appeared unwilling to make changes, leaving Bozeman in a role he struggled to handle all season. While it would be unfair to place all of the blame for the offensive line’s struggles solely on Bozeman, his play was a major factor in the unit’s inconsistency.
Joe Hortiz will almost certainly need to find a more reliable option at center. Bozeman struggled in nearly every facet of the game, from pass protection to generating push in the run game. If there was one bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season, it was his durability, as he remained available throughout the year.
Mekhi Becton. Joe Hortiz did not spend heavily in free agency last offseason, but one of his largest investments was guard Mekhi Becton. The plan was for Becton to help solidify an offensive line that already featured two Pro Bowl tackles. Unfortunately, that vision never became a reality.
Injuries plagued Becton throughout the season, preventing him from establishing any real consistency. When he was on the field, his performance did little to inspire confidence. Statistically, Becton ranked among the worst guards in the league, turning what was supposed to be a strength into yet another liability.
With cap flexibility a priority, the Chargers may have a difficult decision to make this offseason, including the possibility of cutting Becton to free up additional space.
Ladd McConkey. Following a very strong rookie season in 2024, Chargers fans had high expectations for Ladd McConkey in 2025. While McConkey still had moments where he flashed his talent, his overall production took a noticeable step back compared to the previous season.
One potential explanation for McConkey’s modest numbers could be the increased balance among the team’s receiving options. Hortiz brought back veteran Keenan Allen and drafted tight end Oronde Gadsden and wide receiver Tre’ Harris, giving Herbert more weapons to distribute the ball to. Even so, McConkey was expected to be a more consistent presence.
With a new offensive coordinator on the way, there is optimism that McConkey can bounce back and reclaim a larger role in the offense in 2026.
Daiyan Henley. Jesse Minter’s defense once again played at a high level, often keeping the Chargers competitive when the offense struggled. However, Daiyan Henley’s individual season was difficult to view as anything other than disappointing.
After a terrific 2024 campaign, Henley was named a team captain, a clear sign of the organization’s belief that he was ready to elevate his game. Instead, Henley often disappeared for long stretches. Missed tackles became a recurring issue, and his impact was far less noticeable than expected.
If Henley can rebound in 2026, he still has the potential to be a difference-maker on an already strong defense.
Conclusion
Disappointing seasons happen, even for talented players, but how the Chargers respond will define their future. Joe Hortiz now has the opportunity to correct these missteps, whether through roster turnover, internal development or scheme changes. If the Chargers can turn these weaknesses into strengths, they will be much closer to reaching their championship aspirations.