Kimani Vidal: Everything you need to know

Vidal signed his exclusive-rights free-agent tender with the Chargers on Tuesday, Howard Balzer of USA Today reports. Los Angeles tendered Vidal as an ERFA early March, and the 2024 sixth-round pick now makes his return for the 2026 season official. The Chargers' offseason has seen Najee Harris (Achilles) depart in free agency, though the addition of Keaton Mitchell from Baltimore represents a new change-of-pace option in the backfield, and potential competition for Vidal's grip on the No. 2 role behind Omarion Hampton. That said, Vidal has to be considered the favorite for the backup role after he broke out with a 155-643-3 rushing line across 13 regular-season appearances in 2025, even if Mitchell ultimately sees more pass-catching reps.

The Chargers placed an exclusive-rights free-agent tender on Vidal on Friday. It essentially locks Vidal in for the 2026 season after he got extended run last season following injuries to both Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris (Achilles). With Harris headed for free agency, Vidal could enter next season as the RB2 to Hampton after Vidal posted a 155-643-3 rushing line across 13 regular-season appearances in 2025. He also added 16 catches for 136 yards and one additional touchdown.

Vidal handled 11 carries for 31 yards while catching two of three targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 16-3 wild-card loss to New England. Vidal got the surprise start in Sunday's playoff loss despite RB Omarion Hampton being available after resting in Week 18. The latter must have suffered a setback to his injured ankle after losing a yard on his only carry. Vidal couldn't take advantage of the opportunity like he did during the regular season when he posted a 155-643-3 rushing line while Hampton was mending on IR. The 23-year-old Vidal will be an exclusive rights free agent this upcoming offseason, meaning that the Chargers can tender a one-year contract to keep him in the organization. That seems like a likely scenario given the second-year rusher's success playing both behind and alongside Hampton this year.