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Analyst Blasts Los Angeles Chargers Confusing Team Build

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated May 12, 2025 1:07 AM ET

If the Los Angeles Chargers are going to end the Kansas City Chiefs’ stranglehold on the AFC West—and stop them from capturing a 10th consecutive division title—it will require significant production in the trenches. Otito Ogbonnia and Andre James will be central to that effort as both sides of the line face major questions entering 2025.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame, the Chargers currently boast only the third-best roster in the division, trailing the Chiefs and Broncos. Much of the skepticism surrounds new general manager Joe Hortiz’s offseason approach.

“It’s tough to understand what the game plan was for general manager Joe Hortiz,” Verderame wrote. “The Chargers came into the offseason on a high despite losing in their wild-card game against the Houston Texans. They won 11 games last season and the defense was one of the league’s best, led by star safety Derwin James Jr.

“However, the offense needed a ton of help on the interior of the line along with adding some talent on the perimeter for quarterback Justin Herbert. Instead of making moves with ample cap space, the Chargers decided to let receiver Josh Palmer walk while not adding any veterans to the group. In short, rookie second-round pick Tre Harris must come through.”

Los Angeles Chargers 2025 Roster Building

It’s a fair critique, though it overlooks some notable developments. The Chargers did re-sign veteran wideout Mike Williams, a former first-round pick who played for the team from 2017 through 2023 before spending time with the Jets and Steelers last season. He returns to a familiar role as a top option for Herbert. There are also rumblings that franchise legend Keenan Allen may return for a final run in L.A.

On the offensive line, versatility was a theme. Andre James, formerly of the Raiders, was added for his ability to play across the line. However, he and free-agent addition Mekhi Becton—signed from the Philadelphia Eagles on a two-year deal—were the only major investments up front, despite well-documented interior issues.

Defensively, the Chargers lost Asante Samuel Jr. and Kristian Fulton in the secondary but added veteran Donte Jackson. Safeties Tony Jefferson and Elijah Molden were re-signed, and young corners Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart are coming off impressive rookie campaigns.

Still, the quiet approach has raised eyebrows. Many believe Hortiz is positioning the team for a more aggressive 2026 offseason. Star left tackle Rashawn Slater will be a free agent, Becton will be in a contract year, and both Ogbonnia and James are also set to hit the open market. Preserving cap flexibility now could pay dividends later.

In the short term, however, the spotlight turns to Harbaugh’s culture-building and player development. The former Michigan head coach has a proven track record of maximizing line play, and Ogbonnia and James will need to be pillars of that identity. The Chargers haven’t won the division since 2009—a streak they hope to break under Harbaugh’s watch.

Whether that goal is realistic this year depends on how quickly the team’s new foundation—especially in the trenches—can gel.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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