April 14, 2026

ESPN's Kris Rhim writes that Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr., who is coming off back-to-back All-Pro seasons, will "almost certainly want a new deal before training camp starts." A deal will likely get done for a player who turns 30 in August and is heading into the final season of a four-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid safety in league history in 2022. James was a hold-in during training camp the last time he was eligible for an extension. The Chargers might have to make him the highest-paid safety in history again, or at least close, after Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton set the new mark with a four-year, $100.4 million deal in 2025. It remains to be seen if general manager Joe Hortiz is willing to give Hames that kind of money. The 29-year-old finished as the No. 20 fantasy defensive back in IDP leagues last year with 94 tackles (50 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss, eight QB hits, a career-high three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim

April 14, 2026

The Los Angeles Chargers officially re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent running back Kimani Vidal to an undisclosed one-year deal, according to Howard Balzer of Cardinals Wire. Vidal saw a lot more work in 2025 than probably anyone was expecting, even Vidal. Early-season injuries to Najee Harris (Achilles) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) forced the 24-year-old into the RB1 role in L.A. last year, and it led to 155 carries for 643 yards and three touchdowns in 13 regular-season games. Vidal also had 16 receptions on 22 targets for 136 yards and another touchdown as a receiver. Harris won't return to the Chargers, but the Chargers added Keaton Mitchell to the running back room alongside Hampton, who will be in his second season in the NFL. Vidal figures to be the favorite to win the RB2 role to begin next season, but Mitchell will probably take a lot of valuable pass-catching opportunities. At best, Vidal will probably be a handcuff option for managers who select Hampton.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Cardinals Wire - Howard Balzer

April 12, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston is on track to handle an increased workload during the 2026 season. Keenan Allen remains a free agent, and at this point, it seems unlikely that he'll return to the Bolts. Barring a big Tre' Harris breakout, Johnston should take over as the Chargers' No. 2 wide receiver behind Ladd McConkey. The TCU product's biggest issue in the past has been drops, so he'll need to demonstrate more reliable hands in order to thrive with additional volume. We saw his improved catching skills last year, as he finished the season with a career-low two drops despite handling a career-high 77% snap share. Managers should feel encouraged by his reliability last season, when he finished as the WR34 with 735 yards and eight touchdowns. He's trending up and represents an intriguing target in dynasty leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 12, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey burst onto the scene as a 2024 rookie, finishing his first season with 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns on a team-leading 82 receptions. He entered his second season priced as a low-end WR1 in both redraft and dynasty leagues as fantasy managers underestimated the impact of a returning Chargers legend. Keenan Allen came back to Los Angeles in 2025 as a 33-year-old veteran and promptly led the team in targets and receptions, operating primarily in the same short-to-intermediate parts of the field as McConkey. Heading into the NFL Draft, Allen remains unsigned, and McConkey should see every chance to thrive in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's rhythm-based scheme that will maximize his ability to add yards after the catch. Among players with at least a 60% snap share out of the slot, McConkey's 4.8 yards after catch average through his first two seasons already lands him near the top of the league, but McDaniel should repeatedly motion him into position to make even greater use of his 4.39-speed and return to something resembling his rookie form.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 8, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is coming off his best fantasy season since 2021, and there's a real chance that he could continue to trend upward going forward. Herbert was the overall QB10 in fantasy football last season, tallying 26 passing touchdowns but throwing 13 interceptions. It was his highest interception total since, ironically, that aforementioned 2021 campaign. Managers should be optimistic about the future outlook of the first-round pick, given the state of the offense. For starters, the Chargers hired offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, a potential play-calling mastermind who can maximize the upside of his players. The Chargers also made a concerted effort to bolster their league-worst offensive line. Now, Herbert will have Cole Strange and Tyler Biadasz in front of him, and he should also get star tackles Rashawn Slater (knee) and Joe Alt (ankle) back from injury. The only glaring subtraction is wide receiver Keenan Allen, but Herbert should still have plenty of reliable targets in Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Oronde Gadsden III. With a solidified offense around him, Herbert can be a top-10 fantasy quarterback with top-five upside in 2026 and beyond. He's an intriguing target in dynasty leagues this offseason.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 6, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden flashed tremendous upside at various points throughout his rookie season in 2025. He had a four-game stretch with 24 catches, 377 yards, and two touchdowns from Week 6-9, and he added two more double-digit fantasy performances from Week 15-17. Gadsden had some explosive showings, but his lack of consistency prevented him from establishing himself as a surefire TE1. Instead, he finished the year as the overall TE15 in PPR leagues. That's still not bad for a rookie by any means, but we'd like (and expect) to see Gadsden take a significant leap heading into Year 2 of his career. Not only is the second season a common time for tight ends to break out, but Gadsden should also benefit from the Chargers' new-look offensive system. The Bolts hired mastermind Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator, taking the offense to a whole new level. We've seen McDaniel squeeze production from a variety of tight ends. Darren Waller averaged 9.9 fantasy points and 0.7 touchdowns per game with the Dolphins last year; Jonnu Smith was the overall TE4 in fantasy with eight touchdowns in 2024; and, of course, McDaniel oversaw George Kittle's TE4 finish as the 49ers' offensive coordinator in 2021. Managers typically think of McDaniel as a running back and wide receiver whisperer, but his impact on tight ends cannot be overlooked. Gadsden has top-10 upside heading into 2026, making him a low-cost redraft selection and an intriguing buy-low option in dynasty leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 6, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell is embarking on the next chapter of his career after switching teams during free agency. After spending his first three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Mitchell signed with the Chargers. He goes from playing for John Harbaugh in Baltimore to playing for Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles. Mitchell had an underwhelming three-year stint with the Ravens, peaking as the overall RB59 as a rookie in 2023. Occupying a depth role has limited his upside, but injury issues have been a greater burden to his development. He missed 21 games over his first two seasons in the league, as well as an additional four games last year. If Mitchell, now 24, can stay healthy with the Bolts, he has the potential to carve out standalone fantasy value as an RB3/flex. The East Carolina product has flashed some of the best burst in the NFL, consistently breaking off huge runs and capitalizing on his limited playing time. A more consistent role -- now behind Omarion Hampton in L.A. -- could be exactly what he needs to finally break out. The scheme represents a great fit, too, as he'll now be playing for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who was able to maximize the potential of similar speedy running backs like Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane in Miami. Mitchell isn't a top-36 running back in dynasty or redraft formats yet, but he's an intriguing buy-low candidate because of his upside.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 2, 2026

The number 22 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton had his rookie season disrupted by ankle injuries that caused him to miss eight games. However, Hampton was productive when healthy, racking up 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 156 touches across nine contests. The Chargers made a big addition this offseason by bringing in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator. Under McDaniel, Miami ranked fourth in the NFL in yards per rush attempt, and he helped steward Dolphins running back De'Von Achane's emergence as a superstar. While Los Angeles signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell in free agency, Hampton still profiles as the team's clear RB1 and possesses a three-down skill set. RotoBaller ranks Hampton as the eighth-best running back for dynasty formats coming off his encouraging rookie year.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

March 29, 2026

A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris was largely blocked off from significant playing time as a rookie. Across 17 games, the 24-year-old recorded 30 receptions for 324 yards and one touchdown on 43 targets and spent most of the year as the Chargers' WR4 behind Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Keenan Allen. However, the soon-to-be 34-year-old Allen currently remains unsigned, which could open up a path to a starting role for Harris in 2026. Additionally, Los Angeles faces a May 1 deadline to decide on whether or not to exercise Johnston's fifth-year option for the 2027 season. If the Chargers decline the option, Harris would almost certainly be the team's succession plan for Johnston in a starting role on the outside. For dynasty managers, buying low on Harris before the Chargers' long-term roster-building plans are out in the open could be a smart move.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

March 26, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal played a surprisingly prominent role in his team's offense in 2025, recording 779 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 171 touches across 13 games (10 starts). After opening the year on the practice squad in Los Angeles, Vidal was thrust into a starting role after Chargers' backs Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris (Achilles) were both forced onto Injured Reserve, Hampton by an ankle injury and Harris with a torn Achilles tendon. However, Vidal's role with the Chargers could be significantly diminished in 2026. Hampton should enter training camp fully healthy and profiles as the team's clear lead back. Los Angeles also signed former Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell to a two-year contract in free agency, which could signify that Mitchell has the edge on Vidal for the team's RB2 role. Vidal could still be worth rostering in deep dynasty formats as a depth piece, but his stock is fading given his murky playing time outlook in Los Angeles.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

March 23, 2026

The Los Angeles Chargers haven't publicly indicated that they are willing to part ways with wide receiver Quentin Johnston, and internally, they "believe in him," according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. The former first-rounder in 2023 struggled with drops and looked like a potential bust when general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh showed up in 2024. But instead of giving up on Johnston, they leaned into him and gave him a bigger role, which led to a breakout season with 55 catches, 711 yards, and eight touchdowns in 15 games played. He has led the team in touchdowns (eight) in each of the last two seasons and had a career-high 735 receiving yards in 2025. Even with Keenan Allen being a free agent, the Chargers have a log-jam at receiver after drafting both Tre' Harris and Keandre Lambert-Smith last year. Johnston's fifth-year option is due on May 1, which is projected to be at $18 million. If Johnston stays in L.A., he could be the clear WR2 for the Chargers in 2026 if Allen doesn't return. Despite being boom or bust the last two years, Johnston has become a much more intriguing deep threat in fantasy.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim

March 22, 2026

The Athletic's Daniel Popper thinks that Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey could have a bounce-back season in 2026 in offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's offense. Popper also believes that for McConkey to bounce back, the Chargers need to avoid re-signing veteran Keenan Allen, who led the team in targets and catches in 2025. McConkey and Allen both thrive in similar areas of the field, so in the absence of Allen in McDaniel's offense, McConkey could become a fantasy football stud again. Popper sees McDaniel maximizing McConkey's "shiftiness and yards-after-the-catch ability" with pre-snap motion and linebacker manipulation. The 24-year-old former second-rounder in 2024 out of Georgia caught 82 of 112 targets for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games in his rookie season, but he fell to a 66-789-6 line in 16 games in 2025. With more targets and a focus on the offense under McDaniel, McConkey definitely can become a strong WR2 for fantasy managers going into his third year in the NFL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper

March 20, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston had the best season of his young career in 2025, and he could make an even bigger impact with a potentially larger target share next year. Johnson finished his third NFL campaign with 51 catches, 735 yards, and eight touchdowns. This ended up being just four fewer catches and 24 more yards than his 2024 marks, as well as the same number of trips to the end zone. His 2025 stats resulted in a career-best WR34 finish. The 24-year-old continued to deal with some of the struggles that plagued him at the start of his career, including drops. However, he has started to show signs of turning the corner and being a productive fantasy option week in and week out. Now, Johnston could be headed for even more volume after teammate Keenan Allen hit free agency. Allen leaves behind a whopping 112 vacated targets that will likely be allocated to some combination of Johnston, Ladd McConkey, and Tre' Harris. We wouldn't be surprised to see Johnston get triple-digit targets in 2026, and if his hands become a little more reliable, he could push for 1,000 yards. All in all, he has top-30 receiver upside heading into his fourth NFL season, especially with Allen no longer stealing volume.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

March 19, 2026

Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James (undisclosed) suffered a minor injury earlier in the week before reporting to the Fanatics Flag Football Classic. As a precaution, six-time Pro Bowler Harrison Smith will step in to replace James. It's unclear what type of injury James is dealing with, but it doesn't sound like it will really affect his preparation this offseason as he gets ready for his eighth year in the NFL in 2026. The 29-year-old former 17th overall pick in 2018 out of Florida State has established himself as one of the best all-around safeties in the league. James has 100-plus total tackles in four of his seven seasons, and he racked up a healthy 94 tackles (50 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss, eight QB hits, a career-high three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts in 2025 for the Bolts. He was the No. 20 fantasy defensive back in IDP scoring and should once again be a strong target at DH in the same formats in 2026 if he's fully healthy.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Fanatics

March 19, 2026

Thankfully for fantasy managers, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's playoff woes don't count. Herbert was named a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career in 2025, but he looked bad again in an ugly playoff loss to the New England Patriots. During the regular season, the 28-year-old completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 16 games to finish as the QB10 in overall fantasy points. He added a career-high 83 rushing attempts for 498 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The fact that L.A.'s offensive line was so banged up and ineffective led to Herbert taking off and running more than he ever has in his career. It helped him stay in the top-12 overall fantasy QBs. With a healthier offensive line in 2026 and with new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel leading the offense, Herbert should be in better hands. He might even return to the 4,000-yard passing mark, which he hasn't reached since his third year in the league in 2022. Herbert's dynasty and redraft stock is on the rise, making him at least a low-end QB1 target in drafts later this year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Pro Football Reference