The Los Angeles Chargers' work in free agency to date earned a so-so review.
has handed out free agency grades for all 32 organizations based on various factors. The marks, in regards to each team’s major signings, are primarily based on whether the club made a good investment compared to whether it overpaid for the incoming veteran.
, it’s been a somewhat solid offseason for the club. Hence, the overall grade given to the Bolts for 2026 to date is a “B.”Nov 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack sacks Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a safety during the first quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Imagesvia a one-year, $18 million deal was given an “average” grade. It’s obvious the return of the well-versed Mack elevated the team’s overall mark.contract projection , locking Mack in for another year is a good piece of business for the Chargers,” said McGuinness. “He racked up 42 pressures from 296 pass-rushing snaps last year and is still one of the better run defenders in the NFL at the position.” As for the other three additions, the projection for Kolar was a one-year, $1,75 million. Instead, the Chargers made a three-year, $24.3 million investment. “Dec 21, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half of the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images | Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images "That being said," added McGuinness, "$8 million per year is a steep price to pay for a player who set a career high with 10 receptions this past season. Given the Chargers’ struggles on the offensive line, perhaps they view standout blockers at other positions to be even more important, but this is a big contract for the former Raven.”As for the deals for Strange and Pipkins , respectively, the duo didn’t exactly earn kudos. The former did play for New Chargers’ offensive coordinator Sep 14, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins guard Cole Strange looks on before a game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images “The former first-rounder started every game after Week 3 for the Dolphins in 2025,” said McGuinness, “although his inconsistent showings yielded sub-60.0grades in pass blocking and run blocking. Strange has plenty of starting experience through four NFL seasons, three with the Patriots, but his 0.01went down,” added McGuinness, “but the results weren’t overly favorable. His 49.9 PFF overall grade was the second lowest among qualified tackles, and his 43.8run-blocking grade also tied for worst. While Pipkins can be counted on as depth, having played at least 666 snaps in each of the past four seasons, he’s likely not worth $5 million annually.” As previously mentioned, the Chargers received a “B” from the author. Based on the individual assessments, it certainly doesn’t feel that way.Russell S. Baxter has been writing and researching the game of football for more than 40 years, and on numerous platforms. That includes television, as he spent more than two decades at ESPN, and was part of shows that garnered five Emmy Awards. He also spent the 2015 NFL season with Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFLN.Chargers Projected Starting Lineup After Free Agency Week 1
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