For the first time since the 2008 and 2009 seasons, the Los Angeles Chargers will make back-to-back appearances.
Los Angeles has announced that they will rest starters after losing out on the division title and the number one seed after losing in Week 17.
While there is still some time before the 2026 offseason, the Chargers could be lining up some heavy moves on the defensive side of the ball, which could help out the defense, would are already allowing 20.1 points per game, which is the eighth most in the league.
Pass Rusher Could Be On The Move
GettyThe Los Angeles Chargers could add a top-tier pass rusher in the offseason
With aging players in the pass rush, Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree, the Chargers need to add some quality youth to the defensive line in the offseason.
Third-year pass rusher Tuli Tuipulotu currently has 13 sacks, the most on the team and the fifth most in the NFL, and will need a quality pass rusher opposite him.
CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles names the Bolts as a potential suitor for Las Vegas Raiders star defender Maxx Crosby following some turmoil between the Pro Bowler and the organization.
“The Chargers are headed to the playoffs for the second time in two years under Jim Harbaugh, an impressive accomplishment considering the injuries they’ve sustained and the cap issues they’ve overcome. The money finally starts freeing up this offseason, and Crosby would be a tremendous fit here,” Pereles wrote.
“The Chargers still have Khalil Mack playing effectively, and trade acquisition Odafe Oweh has been a pleasant surprise. But Crosby is on another level and would provide not only a game-wrecking pass rush presence but much-needed heft against the run.”
Crosby and Vegas have been in disagreement for the last few days about the Raiders shutting down their star defender after an injury concern to the player’s meniscus.
It was reported that upon hearing the news of being shut down, the $106.5 million pass rusher stormed out of the team facility. But within the last 48 hours, things between Crosby and Las Vegas been rekindled.
“After an evaluation we did on Monday or Tuesday, it just looks too bad. And so, he didn’t take the news like that, and I didn’t want to take the news like that. …He was talking about ‘I like to get out of here.’ And I said, ‘yeah, get out of here,” Raiders head coach Pete Carroll said, via ClutchPoints.
“We’ve been talking about this for a couple of days. This didn’t just spring on him. It was exactly like you would think he would do, and he should do, and I agree with him 1,000% on how he responded, and I responded the same way, and I get it.”
The meniscus injury required Crosby to get surgery and be placed on IR, officially ending his season.
While things can be considered a misunderstanding, relations between the player and organization could have reached the point of no return.
What Maxx Crosby Brings To The City Of Angels
GettyLas Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby
One of the biggest benefits the Chargers would get if they were to trade for Maxx Crosby (which would be quite a haul for Las Vegas) is stealing a divisional rival’s best defender.
It would take a lot off of the offensive line and Justin Herbert, then use Crosby on the rest of the division alongside Tuli.
Crosby has a 15% win rate this season, which is in the top 14 win rates from the edge this season.
The Chargers are set to have over $101 million in cap space next season, which gives them more than enough room to trade for the player and add some more artillery in free agency.
All LA has to do is offer a convincing trade package to the Raiders, which could be a lot for an in-division trade.
Chargers Named Potential Suitor For $106.5 Million Pro Bowler