The Chargers are currently projected to have nearly $83MM in cap space for the 2026 offseason. That could lead to a spending spree, but such an approach should not be expected. 
Joe Hortiz is entering his third offseason as the Bolts’ general manager. The veteran executive’s time in Los Angeles was preceded by a lengthy stint with the Ravens, a team known for emphasizing the draft in its roster-building philosophy. Hortiz has maintained a similar approach to that of the Ravens so far in his GM tenure, and that can be expected to continue this year.
“I don’t want to spend recklessly,” Hortiz recently said (via ESPN’s Kris Rhim). “If you chase perceived needs in free agency, in the draft and more often than not overpaying or making a mistake. So, we do have to be calculated. We have to be smarter.”
The Chargers find themselves in need of additions along the interior of the offensive and defensive lines this spring. The team’s pass rush setup could also be much different relatively soon, as both Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack are pending free agents. Hortiz will have a number of key decisions to make over the coming months. Los Angeles currently has six draft picks, including one in each of the first four rounds.
Some of the team’s positional needs will no doubt remain largely unfilled until April, as is common practice around the league. Nevertheless, the Chargers could manage to win at least one notable bidding war on the open market given their financial flexibility. A continued emphasis will no doubt continue to be placed on retaining in-house players, of course. The new pact for Teair Tart is a recent example of strong Los Angeles performers landing notable commitments from Hortiz and the front office.
There are other candidates to be re-signed in short order, and the Bolts also obviously have a list of extension candidates to work on leading up to Week 1. There could still be room for a splashy outside addition or two, but much of the team’s resources will likely be aimed elsewhere.
Most cap space and generation QB with top 5 worst OL. But nah let’s save our cash
Their GM came from the Ravens. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them focus on players who were cut and trade targets so that they can maximize their comp picks.
This off season
They probably resign Allen
They need to resign Oweh
2027 they need to resign
James
Tuipulotu
Henley
2028
McConkey
Still
I get not tying up your cap space with free agents when you have extensions looming for key pieces
2026 Chargers real issue was the health of Slater and Alt
In free agency they could spend to find 2 pass rushers to compliment Tuipulotu but I get not overspending in free agency and tying up assets too soon
Relying on just the draft doesn’t work. As a Cowboys fan, I can attest to it.
That headline will get the fans pumped.
Herbert is locked up. Alt still has one more year before extension eligible. Penny pinching in Herbert’s prime is insane