Chargers offseason checklist: What happens after Joey Bosa's release?

With the new league year kicking off March 12, NFL teams are already deep into planning for the offseason. 

Here are five moves the Los Angeles Chargers should make in the coming months: 

1. Find a replacement for edge-rusher Joey Bosa

On Wednesday, the Chargers released five-time Pro Bowler Bosa, clearing $25.35M in cap space, per Over the Cap founder Jason Fitzgerald.  

Bosa had only five sacks in 14 regular-season games in 2024, but his departure still leaves a hole in the pass-rush. 

L.A. edge-rusher Khalil Mack — who had six sacks in 16 games in 2024 — is an unrestricted free agent. Los Angeles' Tuli Tuipulotu, meanwhile, recorded 8.5 sacks in 17 games.  

The Chargers, who have the 22nd pick in the first round, should consider taking an edge-rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft, perhaps James Pearce Jr. of Tennessee or Jack Sawyer of Ohio State. Pearce (6-foot-5, 245 pounds) had 7.5 sacks in 13 games in 2024, while Sawyer (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) had nine in 16. 

2. Trade for Seahawks WR DK Metcalf 

Per NFL Media insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Metcalf requested a trade Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz tweeted the Chargers pursued Metcalf last offseason, but Seattle rejected them.

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Seahawks want a first- and third-round pick for Metcalf, and the 27-year-old WR is seeking a contract worth $30M annually.  

The Chargers should still try to trade for Metcalf, who could become a valuable weapon for quarterback Justin Herbert. In 15 games in 2024, Metcalf had 66 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdown catches.

3. Solidify the RB room

Chargers RB J.K. Dobbins rushed for a career-high 905 yards in 13 regular-season games in 2024. He finished second in Comeback Player of the Year voting behind Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow.  

Re-signing him shouldn't be expensive for the Chargers. Spotrac estimates his market value is a two-year deal worth $4.1M annually. 

Concerns about Dobbins' durability remain. In four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and Chargers, he has battled knee and Achilles injuries. L.A. could consider drafting another RB to give their backfield more depth.

The class is deep at the position, so Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo (5-foot-9, 219 pounds) could still be available in the second or third round. Skattebo rushed for 1,711 yards and 21 TDs in 13 games in 2024. 

4. Extend left tackle Rashawn Slater 

Extending Slater — who is set to play on the fifth-year option ($19.04M) in 2025 — would be a worthwhile investment for the Chargers.

In his first four seasons with the club, he has made two Pro Bowls. In 15 regular-season games in 2024, Pro Football Focus gave him a 91.1 grade, second at his position.

Slater's market value is a five-year deal worth $25.5M annually. After Bosa's release, the Chargers should have enough cap space to give him a new deal. Per Spotrac's projections, L.A. has $90.7M in cap room.

5. Improve at TE 

Chargers TE Will Dissly recorded 50 receptions for 481 yards and two touchdown catches in 15 games in 2024. L.A. could probably find an upgrade in the draft. 

L.A. could target Michigan TE Colston Loveland, who played for Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh in his first two seasons with the Wolverines. In 10 games in 2024, the 6-foot-6, 248-pounder had 56 receptions for 582 receiving yards and five TD catches. 

The Chargers should also keep Bowling Green TE Harold Fannin Jr. (6-foot-3, 241 pounds) on their radar. In 13 games in 2024, he recorded 117 receptions for 1,555 yards and 10 TD catches.