Three hottest seats on the Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers were a train wreck in 2023, missing the playoffs and going 5-12. They hired former San Francisco 49ers and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh to turn things around.

That's a difficult task, though, as L.A. had to move on from several star players to clear cap space, leaving the Chargers with roster holes. With that in mind, here are three Chargers on the hottest seats in 2024.

Linebacker Joey Bosa 

Bosa was considered a trade or cut candidate this offseason, but he and the Chargers agreed to a restructured contract. 

When healthy, the third overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft is one of the best pass-rushers in the league. Bosa has made four Pro Bowls in eight seasons with the Chargers and amassed 67 sacks. However, he'smissed 14 games over the past two seasons with toe, foot and hamstring injuries.

Bosa, 28, must stay healthy and recapture his elite form, or he could be a cap casualty in 2025. If the Chargers release him next offseason, they will save $25.36M.

Wide receiver Quentin Johnston

Johnston recently told the media that he's "due for a breakout" in 2024, but that's hard to believe after the former TCU star disappointed in his rookie season. 

The 21st overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft tallied 38 receptions for 431 yards, two TD catches and three drops in 17 games. 

L.A. recently dealt six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears for a 2024 fourth-round pick (No. 110 overall) and released longtime starter Mike Williams. Williams signed with the New York Jets. 

So far, Johnston, 22, hasn't shown he can be a viable replacement.

Expect the Chargers to take another wideout in the draft. In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. had them selecting LSU's Malik Nabers with the fifth overall pick. The 20-year-old earned first-team All-American honors in 2023.   

Offensive tackle Trey Pipkins III

In 2023, Pipkins III signed a three-year, $21.75M deal. This looks like an overpay after he backtracked last season. 

Per Pro Football Focus, in 17 games, he allowed the fourth-most sacks in the league (nine) and a career-high 49 pressures. His poor play contributed to the O-line's struggles as the Chargers allowed the 12th-most QB hits (53) in the league in 2023.

Pipkins III, 27, must get his act together next season. Protecting franchise quarterback Justin Herbert is imperative. The former Pro Bowler suffered a season-ending right index finger fracture in a Week 13 loss to the Denver Broncos last season, and the Chargers didn't win another game.