The Los Angeles Chargers did not have a good season in 2023. Coming off of a 2022 Wild Card collapse against the Jaguars, the team returned to the field in 2023 hoping to avoid the same mistakes.
They did not repeat these same mistakes. In fact, they failed to make the playoffs altogether in 2023, firing both coach Brandon Staley and General Manager Tom Telesco after an embarrassing Thursday Night loss. Their 5-12 record constituted the worst output for the team since 2015.
New Los Angeles Chargers Coach May Shake His Roster Up
The Los Angeles Chargers confirmed their hiring of Harbaugh in late January. And already, the younger of the two Harbaugh brothers has suggested his desire to pursue numerous free agents, including Saquon Barkley. But Barkley may yet choose to look elsewhere instead of coming to a Chargers team in need of a running back. Austin Ekeler is unlikely to return to Southern California this offseason after having one of his worst seasons in the powder blue in 2023.
In his last outing as NFL coach, Harbaugh was able to instantly turn the San Francisco 49ers into contenders, assisting the team in making three consecutive NFC Championships from 2011 to 2013, and Super Bowl 47. During this time, Harbaugh tried to, and succeeded in, assembling the talents needed to be able to do this. The Los Angeles Chargers will now be Harbaugh’s second attempt at turning an NFL team around from the doldrums.
To do this, three standout Chargers players may have to be traded during the 2024 NFL Offseason.
Khalil Mack Turned Back the Clock in 2023
The multiple time Pro Bowl edge rusher enjoyed a career year in 2023 for the Los Angeles Chargers. While starting all 17 games for a second consecutive season, Mack racked up an astonishing 17 sacks. Six of these sacks came against the Las Vegas Raiders in an October victory. He added five forced fumbles amidst 74 combined tackles, all near or surpassing his career highs.
However, Mack is well north of 30 years old, having begun his career in 2014 and will mark a decade in the league this upcoming season. He will be rounding out the final year of his 2021-signed contract, where he will be due to make $23.1 million. It would be ill-advised for the team from Los Angeles to contemplate cutting or trading him.
Joey Bosa Has Faced Injury Setbacks
While younger brother Nick has enjoyed playoff success with the 49ers, Joey Bosa would be another player the Chargers may consider moving. The Ohio State Alum has been able to compete in every single game in all of two seasons since being selected third overall in 2016. Despite his constant injury issues, the elder of the Bosa brothers has been able to earn four Pro Bowl nods in his career.
Bosa can be a defensive powerhouse when he is healthy, but he must remain healthy for his impact to truly be known. In fact, Bosa missed the rest of the 2023 season after the Chargers lost in Week 11 to the Packers, including the aforementioned 63-21 loss to the Raiders that ended with both Staley and Telesco’s firings.
There will be teams who may make a pass at acquiring Bosa, and can clear space to do so, but his injury history may shy them all away from making real attempts at getting a deal done.
Keenan Allen Enjoyed Solid 2023
While others on the Los Angeles Chargers faced injury issues in 2023, Keenan Allen remained a reliable presence on the offense. In 13 games, Allen racked up over 1200 yards receiving on 108 receptions and seven touchdowns. Ironically enough, not even Allen could avoid the injury bug, as he lost the last month of the season to injuries of his own. Still, he was able to earn another Pro Bowl nod for his career.
Like Mack, Allen is north of 30 years of age. The receiver position is one that faces the consequences of age about as harshly as any other in the league. And also like Mack, the Chargers would be ill-advised to consider moving Allen this offseason.