The Chargers came into the offseason needing to make improvements at the interior of their offensive line, which played a big role in quarterback Justin Herbert getting sacked a whopping 54 times last season.
Going back to 2024, Herbert has been sacked 95 times in 33 games.
As for the rest of their offense, here is a look at where things stand with their depth chart:
Reserves: Trey Lance, DJ Uiagalelei
The skinny: The Chargers re-signed Lance as Herbert’s backup, with Uiagalelei in line to be QB3 if the club decides to keep three quarterbacks. If not, Uiagalelei is a candidate for the practice squad, where he spent last season. Despite all the sacks the Chargers have allowed over the last two seasons, Herbert has missed just one game. He’s as tough as they come, and the Chargers hope that durability holds up. If not, they feel good about Lance stepping in, at least short term.
Bottom line: Herbert remains one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks and by staying status quo at this spot, the Chargers are signaling a confidence level in Lance to provide steady play if called upon and the development prospects of Uiagalelei.
Reserves: Kimani Vidal, Keaton Mitchell, Jaret Patterson, Amar Johnson, Gregory Desrosiers
The skinny: Hampton’s rookie season was limited by an ankle injury, but when he was on the field, he flashed by averaging 4.4 yards on his 124 carries. If he can stay healthy, he’s in line for a big sophomore season. The Chargers added Mitchell in free agency, thanks in large part to new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel pounding the table for him. And don’t sleep on Vidal, who had 643 yards on 155 carries.
Bottom line: As long as Hampton stays healthy, the Chargers are in excellent shape at running back from a skill set and experience standpoint. McDaniel has plenty of tools to tap into.
The skinny: There is a reason McDaniel also went to bat for Ingold, with whom he spent four seasons in Miami. Ingold is cut from a special cloth: a selfless leader, a do-it-all fullback able to lay the wood as a blocker, carry the ball when needed and also be a factor as a pass catcher.
Bottom line: Ingold is a low-key big addition for the Chargers, and his impact will be multifaceted. His experience in McDaniel’s offense makes him a pied piper of sorts, able to help pass the message along to his new teammates.
Starters: Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris
Reserves: Brenen Thompson, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Sincere Brown, Devonte Ross, Derius Davis, Luke Grimm, Dalevon Campbell, JaQuae Jackson
The skinny: It will be interesting to see if the Chargers add to this room, eventually. McConkey, Johnston and Harris have the potential to be a proactive trio, but when it gets right down to it, and Herbert needs to make a big play, are any of those three the type of go-to receiver a quarterback needs? Or should the Chargers consider making a move, whether it’s bringing back Keenan Allen or maybe signing Tyreek Hill, who has a history with McDaniel?
Bottom line: McDaniel and the Chargers will use OTAs and minicamp to get an idea on where things stand with their wide receivers, with Thompson, whom they drafted in the fourth round, getting every opportunity to show his 4.26-second 40 speed can provide an immediate impact.
Starter: Oronde Gadsden
Reserves: Charlie Kolar, Scott Matlock, Thomas Yassmin, Jerand Bradley, Evan Svoboda, Tanner McLachlan
The skinny: Gadsden produced 49 catches for 664 yards as a rookie. He appears to be on his way and could be in line for an even bigger season in Year 2. If so, that really changes the dynamic of the Chargers’ entire receiver room. He is displaying go-to abilities. Kolar comes on to fill an important role as a blocker. He and Ingold will set a physical tone in the department, and it’s bound to help the run game Jim Harbaugh and McDaniel want to hang their hat on.
Bottom line: Kolar and Gadsden are solid as the top two tight ends, but depth could be an issue. This is a room to keep an eye on, with some additions potentially coming.
Starters: LT Rashawn Slater, LG Jake Slaughter, C Tyler Biadasz, RG Cole Strange, RT Joe Alt
Reserves: Trey Pipkins III, Trevor Penning, Travis Burke, Logan Taylor, Branson Taylor, Kayode Awosika, Alex Harkey, Josh Kaltenberger, Ben Cleveland, Jacob Spomer, Isaiah World
The skinny: The Chargers are keeping their fingers crossed that they’ll never have to go through what they experienced last year when Slater and Alt went down with season-ending injuries. Their two stalworth tackles played a combined six games, with Slater missing the season and Alt going to Week 6. Not many teams can survive that type of loss. When Slater and Alt are on the field, they are as good as it gets.
The Chargers have done a reset on the interior, signing Strange and Biadasz in free agency and then using the draft to select Slaughter, Taylor and Harkey. That should go a long way in strengthening an area that was a major weakness. Burke will compete with Pipkins III for the swing tackle spot.
Bottom line: The Chargers invested heavily in the offensive line this offseason and in the process put themselves in a position to make significant improvements. Under no circumstances can Herbert get sacked 54 times again.
