The Chargers' cap room is projected to be a league-best number of over 100 million. Using it to their advantage could mean a deep playoff run next year.
The L.A. Chargers are projected to have a league-best cap number that could reach 100 million. They must capitalize on the advantage to build a championship roster. The stars could align for a deep playoff run if they play their cards right. It's about time the Chargers stop being the second-best team in their city. The team has many things working for them. The huge cap flexibility, talent at the quarterback, and outstanding coach will have them competing for a division title. Let's discuss how they could make a splash in 2026.
Filling the gaps
Only half of the roster is under contract. So it's going to be a judgment call on who to bring back. Jim Harbaugh seems like someone you can count on to make a tough roster decision. Securing Derwin James Jr. long-term, with a year left on his deal, has to be a serious priority. They don't want him to become a free agent and potentially leave with nothing to show for it. Even with the best cap space in the league, the draft is still a valuable alternative for growth, and the Chargers have their first-round pick, which turned out to be the 22nd.
Restructure Herbert?
Justin Herbert has one of the richest contracts in the league. Smart restructuring could save them as much as 17 million. He received a signing bonus of over 16 million and averages over 52 million a year in salary. He's under contract until 2030, but we've seen big-name quarterbacks restructure before in pursuit of a championship.
Who will Herbert throw to?
No one on the roster stands out as a no-doubt number one receiver. That could be one of the areas to address first with a combination of free agency and the draft. They have some interesting number two options, but someone even more reliable could elevate their passing game.
It's make or break
Cap space has recently been a problem for the team. They have to maximize this off-season. The pressure will be on their brass, and they'll have to pick wisely. Otherwise, they'll have another season ending in disappointment, and heads will roll again, just like this year. The Herbert-Harbaugh partnership still has room to become special. Whether they'll be a contender next year depends on the choices of the coach and the front office in how to fortify the team's supporting cast.
It's no easy task, but the reward could be a Lombardi trophy.