The LA Chargers made another move in free agency on Friday, signing former New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin to a one-year, $3 million contract. Conklin can earn up to $4.5 million in 2025 through incentives.
Conklin serves as a backup plan for the Chargers in case Colston Loveland isn’t available at the No. 22 pick, which seems likely. With Conklin on the roster, the team now has a reliable pass-catching tight end who can share responsibilities with Will Dissly.
This move addresses a roster need without making a long-term commitment, and the Chargers may not be finished yet. Despite their several signings this offseason, the team still has a number of roster spots to fill.
Chargers roster holes that still need to be filled after Tyler Conklin signing:
Wide receiver
The Chargers re-signed Mike Williams to a one-year deal to strengthen the wide receiver group and provide Justin Herbert with a dependable target at X receiver. While Williams addresses a need at that position, he alone isn’t enough to elevate the receiver corps.
Williams didn’t have an impressive 2024 season and is replacing Joshua Palmer on the depth chart. He could be an upgrade if he returns to his previous form, but at this point, Chargers fans can only hope for him to be on par with Palmer. If Williams simply matches Palmer’s performance, the wide receiver group will face the same struggles as last season.
Whether through free agency or the draft, the Chargers need to add another receiver who can become a key contributor in the offense and take some pressure off Ladd McConkey. The team can manage with the current group, but without additional help, their Super Bowl hopes will remain limited.
Running back
The Chargers signed Najee Harris to be their starting running back in 2025, but they still need to find a complementary back. While Kimani Vidal shows promise, the team didn’t seem to have much confidence in him during the 2024 season, making it unlikely he’ll move into the RB2 role.
Los Angeles also needs to secure a long-term running back who can lead the backfield. Harris will contribute in 2025, but his future beyond that is uncertain since he signed a one-year deal. Like J.K. Dobbins, his time in Los Angeles could be short-lived.
Fortunately for the Chargers, this year’s draft class features one of the deepest groups of running backs in recent memory, which is likely what the team is preparing for. With so many exciting prospects available, the Chargers have the opportunity to form a dynamic running back duo, similar to the successful tandem in Detroit.
Edge rusher
Re-signing Khalil Mack to a one-year deal was the Chargers’ first move when the legal tampering window opened. Mack quickly put any concerns to rest about his departure by agreeing to a one-year, $18 million contract with the team.
While Mack is back, Joey Bosa is no longer with the Chargers, and the team hasn’t added anyone to replace him on the depth chart. Realistically, Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree are expected to step up, but as the Philadelphia Eagles demonstrated, it’s always beneficial to have strong depth along the defensive line.
Whether through high-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, a veteran free agent, or even a surprising blockbuster trade, the Chargers have several options to strengthen their edge-rusher group for 2025. Re-signing Mack should not prevent the team from exploring these opportunities, especially with Mack’s future uncertain.
