Numerous sources told ESPN’s Dan Graziano believe that the Los Angeles Chargers currently have their “deepest roster” under head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is entering his third season at the helm.
“Multiple people to whom I spoke said they believe this is the deepest roster the Chargers have had under Harbaugh. Watching practice, you could see that show up in the number of options Herbert has at wide receiver, tight end and running back.
“Herbert’s protection fell apart last season when starting tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt went down with injuries, but both are back healthy now, and the front office focused largely this offseason on deepening the offensive line.”
L.A. has gone 11-6 twice, with a pair of playoff appearances under Harbaugh. However, the 2024 and 2025 campaigns ended with tough losses in the AFC Wild Card Round to the Houston Texans (32-12) and the New England Patriots (16-3), respectively.
The Chargers have changed things up in 2026, adding former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator.
They also made a host of moves to strengthen the offensive line, bringing in center Tyler Biadasz and guards Cole Strange and Kayode Awosika. Fullback Alec Ingold and tight end Charlie Kolar are aboard as well, among others.
As Graziano noted, the Chargers made moves to help McDaniel bring his offense to Los Angeles, and that’s given the team more depth around Herbert.
“The Chargers believe Herbert is set up for success, and a lot of that is because of players McDaniel specifically targeted to help implement his system — players such as blocking tight end Charlie Kolar, fullback Alec Ingold and center Tyler Biadasz. McDaniel did have options, and when he interviewed with the Chargers, he specifically wanted to know whether they’d be willing to engage in this level of overhaul at this point in Herbert’s career.”
Of course, having their stalwart tackles, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, back from injury is important as well. Alt played just six games in 2025 due to a high right ankle sprain, and Slater missed the entire season with a torn patellar tendon.
The table is set for the Chargers to take another step under Harbaugh. We’ll see how things go beginning Sept. 13, when they host the Arizona Cardinals to open the season.
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