The Los Angeles Chargers have over 20 players from last season’s roster scheduled to become unrestricted free agents this offseason and even though Jim Harbaugh stated he wanted to bring them all back, that won’t happen. But could the team lose two of the biggest names on that list?
Marcus Mosher of The 33rd Team, while discussing one player each team should sign in free agency, pegs Khalil Mack and Asante Samuel Jr. to leave the City of Angels.
The Chargers will first have to decide the fate of Joey Bosa. Though cutting the former No. 3 overall pick, doing so would save the team a shade over $25 million against the salary cap. That turns it from a difficult decision into what is likely a slam dunk.
The team could then use that money to re-sign Mack, but Mack, who reportedly considered retirement after the Chargers’ season ended, could be looking to sign with a team he believes has a better chance of winning it all. Mosher feels that could be the Green Bay Packers.
“The Green Bay Packers desperately need to find a pass rusher opposite Rashan Gary, and they may wait until the draft to fill that need. But Green Bay is ready to win now, and their best option might be to pay big money for a one or two-year rental.
Khalil Mack missed some time in 2024 with injuries, but he is still highly productive whenever he is on the field. He’ll be 34 during the 2025 season, but he can still produce elite numbers as a No. 2 pass rusher”, wrote Mosher.
If the Packers offered Mack the 2-year, $40 million deal proposed by Mosher, it could be tough for the Chargers to look as attractive at that point.
In the case of Samuel, the Chargers may not fight as hard to keep him. Another starting corner, Kristian Fulton, is also a free agent. Mosher suggests that the Jacksonville Jaguars should pursue Samuel.
Chargers predicted to lose Khalil Mack, Asante Samuel Jr. in free agency
If the Chargers were to lose both of these players, it would be a loss of two key veterans but certainly not something the team would be unable to overcome.
Tuli Tuipolotu is a terrific edge rusher for the Chargers and he seems poised to be a starter on next year’s team depending on what happens with Bosa and/or Mack.
At cornerback, the fifth-round selections of Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart gave the Chargers great padding heading into 2025. They could afford to lose Samuel but may want to bring back Fulton so they aren’t too young in the secondary.
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