Now that the 2024 NFL Draft has concluded, the Los Angeles Chargers are in a crucial phase of their offseason. Even though the Chargers made progress in the draft, there are still significant holes that must be filled if they are to be a dominant team in the coming season. Taking advantage of free agency as a fantastic chance to strengthen their roster, the Chargers need to move quickly. The Chargers should focus on signing wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, cornerback Xavien Howard, and running back Dalvin Cook as their top three free agents in order to improve their chances of winning the Super Bowl.
The Los Angeles Chargers’ tenure under general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Brandon Staley ended with the 2023 campaign. Notwithstanding aspirations to improve upon their prior 10–7 record, the Chargers encountered obstacles. Among them were two significant losses, one in Week 12 to the Baltimore Ravens (10–20) and the other in Week 14 to the Denver Broncos (7–24). They guaranteed a worse outcome. The Week 16 loss to the Buffalo Bills completely destroyed any prospects of making the playoffs. The Chargers had a difficult 5–7 record to begin with, so their loss in Week 14 when quarterback Justin Herbert broke his finger was devastating.
In the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chargers selected offensive tackle Joe Alt. Over the course of the three days, they added nine more players, five of them were on offence and four on defence. The draft’s outcome pleased general manager Joe Hortiz, who noted that it successfully addressed both current and future team needs. Together with Rashawn Slater, Alt—who is regarded as the finest available player in the first round—forms a strong tackle tandem. The Chargers made a calculated decision by trading up in the second round to choose Ladd McConkey, who is already expected to be the best receiver on the squad. The cornerstone for new head coach Jim Harbaugh is this draft class. He wants to build a winning record in addition to a solid team culture.
The Los Angeles Chargers need to seek these three free agents following the 2024 NFL Draft.
Hunter Renfrow is the first person on the list of targets. The outstanding wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders is a fantastic fit for the offensive plan of the Chargers. Renfrow is a tremendous asset because of his accurate route running, steady hands, and clutch plays on third downs. Yes, the Chargers have already made a wide receiver rookie investment. However, having a seasoned veteran like Renfrow would provide Herbert a solid target when things got tight. Renfrow would add variety to the Chargers passing game with his ability to break up plays and make contested catches. The whole receiving corps might be made better by his presence. The Chargers might then take advantage of mismatches and increase the effectiveness of their offence.
The Chargers should then focus on Xavien Howard, a cornerback. In2023, the Chargers’ secondary had trouble stopping premier receivers and frequently gave up big plays. Howard is renowned for his superb ball handling abilities and capacity to stop elite wide receivers. He would alter the course of play for the Chargers defence. Howard and elite safety Derwin James together would make a deadly combination that could stop the opposition’s passing threats. In addition, Howard’s leadership and expertise would be quite helpful in coaching the team’s younger defensive backs. Getting Howard would do more than just close a big gap. Additionally, it might make the Chargers’ defence among the best in the league.
Lastly, Dalvin Cook, a dynamic running back, is a player the Chargers must target. Yes, there are people like Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins. To share the load and add another level to their running game, the Chargers require a second complimentary back. Cook’s speed, vision, and receiving prowess would be a wonderful match. The NFL’s most adaptable and potent backfield would be created by him for the Chargers. A well-rounded and dynamic running game would relieve Herbert of some of the load. Play-action opportunities would arise as a result, and defences would be forced to adjust.
Even though the Los Angeles Chargers’ needs in a few crucial categories were met in the 2024 NFL Draft, there are still a number of large holes that need to be filled. Hiring free agents such as Dalvin Cook, Xavien Howard, and Hunter Renfrow could be the key to bringing the Chargers to the next level. The Chargers’ squad would be strengthened by Cook’s creative playmaking, Howard’s ability to shut down opponents, and Renfrow’s dependability. They would become a more formidable and well-rounded team as a result. These calculated free-agency additions could be the difference between the Chargers and their Super Bowl dreams as they want to build on Herbert’s prime years and contend for a title. The Chargers need to take advantage of this momentous occasion to strengthen their roster and aim high for the 2024 season.
