Chargers’ bold offseason move just aged beautifully after free agency twist

The Los Angeles Chargers' offense was mocked at the end of last season, as Greg Roman's outdated scheme and an emphasis on running the ball at the expense of Justin Herbert's arm led many to wonder if the talent was being maximized. This coaching staff chose to double down on their smashmouth style this offseason.

The Chargers not only signed former Steelers starter Najee Harris to a deal, but they also used the No. 22 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton. These moves are looking a bit more prudent in hindsight, as they no longer have to make the same desperate move the Houston Texans made.

The Texans, apparently in need of another veteran running back who could push Joe Mixon for carries, signed former Cleveland Browns star Nick Chubb to a short-term contract. Chubb may be at the end of the line, which makes it even better that Houston saved LA from themselves.

Had they not used their first pick on Hampton and signed Harris, LA might be relying on a frequently injured veteran who is trying to prove he is still worthy of a spot in the pros. The Hampton-Harris tandem may not be so concerning after all.

Chargers pass on Nick Chubb after adding Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton

Without those two new additions, fans would have been staring down the possibility of a Kimani Vidal vs. Hassan Haskins battle for the RB1 role. Even if you're running an Air Raid system, winning games will be hard to come by with that ground game.

Chubb would have appealed to Roman and GM Joe Hortiz, especially after all the times their Ravens teams were ripped apart by Chubb in his prime. However, after amassing just 3.2 yards per carry after his serious knee injury, Chubb is nothing more than a lottery ticket at this point in his career.

As a whole, the Chargers may have given Herbert his best surrounding cast in the pros to this point. Not only is the backfield better than it was, but Mike Williams is back in the fold, and rookie wide receiver Tre Harris should pair nicely with emerging star Ladd McConkey.

The Chargers are placing a big bet on Hampton's power, but his success with the Tar Heels could lead them to believe he is much more capable of shouldering the load than Chubb is at this point in his career.