2023 NFL Offseason report: Los Angeles Chargers

• Free agency recap: The Chargers opted not to make any big splashes in free agency, with veteran LB Eric Kendricks headlining their class.

• Best move of the offseason: Look for Quentin Johnston to make a quick impact in an effort to inject youth and athleticism into the skill positions.

• Outlook for 2023: The Chargers made up for an uninspiring free-agent class with a solid draft and will need big outputs from a number of rookies in order to go forward.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

As the dust settles on the 2023 NFL offseason, it's time to assess how each team fared in their quest to improve their roster.

Recapping blockbuster trades and high-profile signings to shrewd draft selections, PFF offers an in-depth assessment of all 32 NFL teams, shedding light on the potential impact these moves may have on their fortunes in the upcoming campaign.

For more information on each team's draft selections and offseason moves, download the PFF draft guide today!

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS OFFSEASON GRADE: A-

2023 NFL Free Agency

Free agency recap

The Chargers opted not to make any big splashes in free agency, with veteran LB Eric Kendricks headlining their class. Kendricks regressed in terms of coverage grade each of the past two seasons but was among the best in the league in the category in 2019 and 2020.

With over $12 million in cap space remaining, Los Angeles could consider re-signing some of their own free agents who remain unsigned.

2023 Draft class

R1 (21): WR Quentin Johnston, TCU
R2 (54): EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, USC
R3 (85): LB Daiyan Henley, Washington State
R4 (125): WR Derius Davis, TCU
R5 (156): T Jordan McFadden, Clemson
R6 (200): DI Scott Matlock, Boise State
R7 (239): QB Max Duggan, TCU

2023 NFL Draft recap

The Chargers were quick to address their depth issue at wide receiver by taking Quentin Johnston with the 21st overall pick. His 532 yards after the catch in 2022 was second-best among all receivers in the draft class.

They devoted Day 2 to defense, drafting USC edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu and Washington State linebacker Daiyan Henley. Tuipulotu racked up 60 total pressures in 2022, and Henley posted 20 run stops while missing just three tackles on run plays.

Best move of the offseason: Quentin Johnston

Look for Johnston to make a quick impact in an effort to inject youth and athleticism into the skill positions for Los Angeles. He forced 19 missed tackles on just 60 receptions and averaged 17.8 yards per catch a season ago.

Remaining team needs: DI

The Chargers were dismal against the run last season, largely due to the play of the defensive interior. The entire unit graded below 60.0 on run plays, and the unit returns intact this year, with the only draft addition being sixth-rounder Scott Matlock from Boise State.

If Los Angeles looks to use some of the remaining cap space to improve the current roster, it should be here.

Early position battle to watch: LB Kenneth Murray vs. LB Daiyan Henley

 Key position battles are often about rookies challenging vets for starting roles, and that’s exactly the situation at linebacker in Los Angeles. Henley graded well all-around at Wazzu and could quickly challenge a struggling Murray, who was near the bottom of the league in run-defense grade last year (28.2).

2023 Outlook

The Chargers made up for an uninspiring free-agent class with a solid draft and will need big outputs from a number of rookies in order to go forward.

This team will likely always be in the mix with Justin Herbert at quarterback, but the rest of the roster may be a bit of a work in progress in 2023, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.