The Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2025 season with significant roster changes following an active offseason that saw both strategic additions and notable departures. As they prepare for their season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs this Friday in São Paulo, Brazil, the Chargers hope their retooled roster can finally break through in the competitive AFC West.
Major Offseason Additions
The Chargers made several key moves to strengthen their roster under head coach Jim Harbaugh. The most significant addition was running back Najee Harris, who signed a one-year, $9.25 million contract after four productive seasons in Pittsburgh. Harris brings a physical running style that aligns perfectly with Harbaugh’s philosophy, having rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his NFL seasons.
At quarterback, the Chargers signed Trey Lance to a one-year deal, providing valuable depth behind Justin Herbert. The team also added veteran experience to their offensive line with Mekhi Becton on a two-year contract and center Bradley Bozeman, who received a contract extension.
Defensively, Los Angeles addressed needs in the secondary by signing cornerbacks Donte Jackson to a two-year deal and Benjamin St-Juste on a one-year contract. The pass rush received attention with the addition of Da’Shawn Hand on a one-year, $3.35 million contract. The Chargers also brought back linebacker Denzel Perryman and retained Mike Williams after initially releasing him the previous season.
Draft Class Brings Youth and Speed
The Chargers’ 2025 draft focused heavily on offensive skill positions. With the 22nd overall pick, they selected North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, giving them a dynamic young back to pair with Harris. Hampton accumulated 3,164 rushing yards over his final two collegiate seasons, trailing only Ashton Jeanty among draft-eligible running backs.
In the second round, Los Angeles added Ole Miss receiver Tre Harris, providing additional depth at a position where they lost some veteran presence. The draft also yielded defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell from Oregon in the third round and edge rusher Kyle Kennard from South Carolina in the fourth round.
Significant Departures and Losses
The most shocking move of the offseason came when the Chargers released five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa on March 6. The move saved the team $25.36 million in cap space, as Bosa was projected to carry a $36.4 million cap hit. Bosa, who recorded 72 career sacks over nine seasons, subsequently signed with the Buffalo Bills.
The team also lost Poona Ford, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams. Ford was one of the league’s highest-graded interior defenders in 2024, earning an 85.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus with 39 tackles, three sacks, an interception and five passes defended.
Other notable departures included several players through free agency, while the team made numerous cuts during final roster construction in late August.
Injury Concerns Cast Shadow
The Chargers’ biggest blow came during training camp when left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon, ending his 2025 season just 11 days after signing a four-year, $113 million extension. The injury forced the team to move Joe Alt from right tackle to left tackle, with Trey Pipkins stepping in on the right side.
Several other players are managing injuries heading into the season opener. Running back Najee Harris is listed as questionable with an eye injury sustained during a Fourth of July accident, though he appears likely to play. Wide receiver Quentin Johnston cleared concussion protocol and should be available Friday.
Chiefs Matchup Preview
The Chargers face their biggest division rival in the season opener, traveling to São Paulo for the NFL’s first regular-season game in Brazil. Kansas City enters as 3-point favorites and has won seven straight meetings against Los Angeles, including a dominant 15-2 record last season that was four games better than the Chargers’ 11-6 mark.
Patrick Mahomes has been particularly effective against Los Angeles, throwing for 3,270 yards with 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions in 12 career games against the Chargers. The Chiefs quarterback is also 6-1 in season openers during his career.
For the Chargers to compete, they’ll need strong performances from their new additions. Harris and Hampton will be tasked with establishing a ground game against a Chiefs defense that allowed the eighth-fewest rushing yards per game last season. The revamped offensive line, now without Slater, faces a significant test against Kansas City’s pass rush led by Chris Jones and George Karlaftis.
Defensively, the Chargers must find ways to slow down the Chiefs’ aerial attack. With Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games, Kansas City will likely rely heavily on Travis Kelce and second-year receiver Xavier Worthy. The Chargers’ new secondary additions will be tested immediately in this high-profile matchup.
The game kicks off Friday at 8 p.m. ET from Arena Corinthians, marking the start of what both teams hope will be successful 2025 campaigns. For the Chargers, breaking their seven-game losing streak against Kansas City would be the perfect way to validate their offseason moves and announce their presence as legitimate AFC West contenders.