The Los Angeles Chargers are positioned well with ample salary cap space, allowing general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh to take a proactive approach in revamping their roster as free agency approaches in less than a month.

Last season, Hortiz and Harbaugh had to scour the market for cost-effective players due to tight financial constraints. Many desirable free agents were simply out of reach due to their high price tags. However, this year, every unrestricted free agent is up for grabs from a financial perspective. According to Over The Cap, the Chargers possess the sixth-largest effective cap space in the league at an impressive $55.17 million. This opens the door to an intriguing offseason as the duo strategizes on how to best invest their resources.

After reviewing game film, I’ve compiled a list of 10 external unrestricted free agents who could be valuable assets for the Chargers. These selections are based on personal preference as well as projections regarding which positions I believe Hortiz and Harbaugh will prioritize.

Before we jump into the list, a couple of essential notes:

1. There are no interior defensive linemen featured here. The Chargers’ interior defensive performance was commendable last season, with Poona Ford, Teair Tart, and Morgan Fox poised to become free agents. It seems likely the Chargers will focus on re-signing these three rather than pursuing top-market interior rushers like Milton Williams of the Philadelphia Eagles or Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys. In January, Harbaugh expressed a desire to keep the roster as stable as possible from 2024 to 2025. Retaining Ford, Tart, and Fox would solidify their interior defense, giving them the opportunity to seek additional depth via the draft.

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2. Regarding edge rushers, I believe the Chargers will likely re-sign Khalil Mack, who is expected to demand a substantial short-term contract. Conversely, it seems probable that they will part ways with Joey Bosa, which would free up over $25 million in cap space. Should these outcomes occur, the Chargers’ edge rusher lineup could consist of Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Bud Dupree, along with one additional spot available. While notable names like Josh Sweat from the Eagles have had standout moments, I feel that the Chargers would be better off focusing their top market investments elsewhere and potentially drafting or finding a mid-tier option for that fourth edge rusher position.

Now, let’s get started on the potential free-agent targets.

Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

The question looming is whether Higgins will actually reach free agency. The Bengals might extend his contract or franchise tag him again. However, if he becomes available, the Chargers should be players in pursuit. At just 26 years old, Higgins suits the Chargers’ needs as a reliable outside receiver capable of making contested catches downfield. Entering another season with only Ladd McConkey as a primary receiver to beat man coverage won’t suffice for the Chargers.

Trey Smith is coming off his first Pro Bowl nomination after allowing a career-low blown block rate, per Sports Info Solutions. (Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

Trey Smith, G, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chargers’ offensive line faced significant challenges last season, particularly evidenced by the playoff defeat against the Houston Texans. I anticipate that Hortiz and Harbaugh will actively seek to enhance the interior offensive line this offseason. Signing Smith, the best offensive lineman available, would be a bold move. While he may not have showcased his best during the Super Bowl, his track record over four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs is commendable. Smith would significantly improve the right guard spot, especially considering Trey Pipkins III is a potential cap casualty. If Smith becomes a free agent, he will attract considerable interest, with his market value potentially hitting $25 million annually. This investment might seem steep, but the Chargers have the financial capacity, and acquiring Smith would weaken one of their key rivals.

Drew Dalman, C, Atlanta Falcons

Focusing on the offensive line further, the Chargers must find a starting center for 2025. With Bradley Bozeman, who logged the most snaps last season, also a free agent, upgrading from him should be a priority. There aren’t many starting center options available in free agency or the draft, making Dalman one of the most reliable candidates. He excels in both pass protection and run blocking, showcasing the necessary awareness and instincts that are vital for a center’s consistent performance. If Dalman earns his way to free agency, he should be a top priority for the Chargers as he turns 27 in October.

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Will Fries, G, Indianapolis Colts

If the Chargers are unable to acquire Smith, then Fries is my next top choice among the plethora of free agent guards. His injury status will be critical in the evaluation process, as Fries suffered a season-ending broken tibia in Week 5. However, prior to his injury, he was excelling at a high level, demonstrating strong pass protection, power, and versatility in run blocking. Entering his age 27 season, Fries showed promise early in the last season. With the right medical assessments, I believe he has significant upside moving forward.

Kevin Zeitler, G, Detroit Lions

The Chargers can approach the guard market in several ways. They could prioritize younger players in their prime like Smith or Fries. Alternatively, they could opt for a shorter-term solution by bringing in a seasoned veteran. Zeitler stands out among the older candidates, turning 35 just before the free agency negotiations commence. While age is a consideration, his performance last season proved he remains a formidable run blocker. Additionally, Zeitler’s past experience under Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman for two years in Baltimore adds valuable scheme familiarity.

Baron Browning, right, recorded 9.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hits over four seasons with the Broncos. (Norm Hall / Getty Images)

Baron Browning, Edge Rusher, Arizona Cardinals

Browning first caught my attention while playing for the Denver Broncos during the 2022-23 season. He possesses the potential to alter games with his skills. After being traded to the Cardinals mid-season for a sixth-round pick, Browning’s unique rush style could be a valuable addition to the Chargers’ edge lineup, which currently lacks a swift rusher. His impressive inside spin move resulted in several quick wins last season. With his 26th birthday approaching later this month, he represents an exciting prospect.

Ryan Kelly, C, Colts

Turning 32 in May, Kelly faced a challenging season with injuries limiting him to 10 games, including a knee surgery that sidelined him for five. As reported by The Athletic, he noted his knee “may never be the same.” Still, Kelly is the only external free-agent center I would consider outside of Dalman. I observed that he performed adequately upon his return from surgery in the final three games. He can still hold his ground in the run game and would certainly enhance pass protection over Bozeman. Pairing Kelly with a draft-pick center could set the Chargers up for a long-term strategy at the position.

Brandon Scherff, G, Jacksonville Jaguars

Scherff presents a more budget-friendly option compared to Zeitler. Although he turned 33 in December, he maintains a crafty ability as a run blocker and pass protector. While not as agile as in his early career, Scherff still has the talent to contribute significantly to an offense.

Byron Murphy, CB, Minnesota Vikings

The Chargers made impressive finds in last year’s draft, identifying two starting corners in Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart. With safety Derwin James Jr. occupying a nickel role towards the end of the season, they might lean towards depth behind Still and Hart or seek a new starter. Given Hart’s injury issues during his rookie season, Murphy stands out as a top option in the upcoming free-agent class. He showcases versatility, excelling in both inside and outside roles. Under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who prioritizes flexibility, Murphy could thrive in the Chargers’ zone-heavy defense, having played more zone than any other defense last season according to TruMedia. It’s worth noting that Kristian Fulton, who started outside for the Chargers last year, is also a pending free agent and might move elsewhere.

Mike Williams, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

To conclude, we revisit a familiar name. The Chargers may hesitate to commit $30 million for an outside receiver, particularly if Higgins commands that figure. They could also explore drafting a player with similar attributes. Nevertheless, Mike Williams remains an option that aligns with their needs and wouldn’t break the bank. His existing rapport with quarterback Justin Herbert, built over their four seasons together, makes a reunion look promising — especially if Higgins doesn’t hit free agency or his price proves untenable for Harbaugh and Hortiz.

(Top photo of Tee Higgins: Andy Lyons / Getty Images)