The Los Angeles Chargers are entering a critical 2025 NFL season that could decide how soon the team is a legitimate contender or one that is still a pretender.
The Chargers are looking to build on a successful first year under head coach Jim Harbaugh, but are looking for a better finish than an ugly loss in the Wild Card round. The team has reshaped its rushing attack while adding some new pieces to the offensive line. Defensively, the team was solid last year but could be even better this year.
However, regardless of how this season turns out, the team has several key players set to hit free agency in 2026. Looking at the direction the team is heading in, a prediction can be made that these four players will not be back in 2026, thus playing their final season in L.A.
4 Chargers starters who won’t be back in 2026
Alohi Gilman, Safety
Alohi Gilman has done quite well for a former sixth-round pick, registering over 200 total tackles and creating nine turnovers during his career. But the Chargers have added some players that could help make Gilman expendable, especially as a pending free agent.
Derwin James played some slot corner for the team last season as the deal to acquire Elijah Molden allowed the secondary to be more versatile. The Chargers added Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste in free agency, which could allow James to move back to his safety position. But the young combination of Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still could force James to stay in that role, at least in certain packages.
However, the team is going to be best with James at safety by Molden can’t be taken off the field as he is a better player than Gilman. Add in this year’s sixth-round pick, R.J. Mickens, who could prove to be a great value, and the team could almost easily move on from Gilman after this season.
Mike Williams, Wide Receiver
Mike Williams came back to the Chargers on a one-year deal in free agency this offseason, but don’t expect big things from him. He’s a big target whom Justin Herbert is familiar with, but he’s also 30 years old and frankly isn’t anything more than a jump-ball threat on deep throws down the field at this point.
The Chargers added two exciting rookies in Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the draft, and those guys, along with Ladd McConkey, are who the team should build the wide receiver room around.
Zion Johnson, Offensive Lineman
The Chargers made Zion Johnson a first-round pick in 2022, and while he hasn’t been terrible, he hasn’t played like anything close to a first-round pick.
Normally a guard, there is talk that Johnson will get a look at center this summer and that could change the trajectory of his career. The Chargers chose to decline his fifth-round option this offseason, which means this is a make-or-break year for him.
But with the way Jim Harbaugh focuses on the offensive line, it would not be surprising to see the team look for a more effective option this offseason or just turn to Jamaree Salyer, who is already there.
Khalil Mack, EDGE
Khalil Mack signed a huge extension to stay in L.A. this season, but it’s only for one year. While Mack could finish his career by signing a series of one-year deals after each season until he decides to hang up the cleats, that could easily be in 2026.
There were reports that Mack was considering retirement following the 2024 season, and this one-year deal feels like he just wanted to give himself one more run. While Mack is still an effective player, he will turn 35 years old in February. The end is likely near for him and there’s a great chance it’s once this season is over.
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