The LA Chargers entered the offseason with significant cap space, ranking second in the NFL, and were expected to make a major move. General manager Joe Hortiz has made several roster adjustments, but none have been the “big move” fans anticipated.
Although many fans have lost hope of a big acquisition, there is still a chance for the Chargers to make a bold move. With ample cap space remaining, they could still pursue a notable player, especially with one intriguing name available.
After committing large contracts to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Cincinnati Bengals may be more inclined to trade edge rusher Trey Hendrickson this offseason. While talks for an extension are ongoing, the Bengals’ typically frugal nature suggests they could be reaching their spending limit.
This presents the potential big move the Chargers could make. They have the cap space to land a Hendrickson deal, but the question remains: are they interested in pursuing it?
The Chargers are the perfect Trey Hendrickson dark horse
If the Chargers decide to trade for Trey Hendrickson — which is still uncertain — they are well-positioned to make it happen. With strong financial flexibility this offseason and moving forward, they have a clear need for an edge rusher that Hendrickson could fill.
The Chargers currently have $50.7 million in cap space, though several players’ cap hits are still pending. Estimating that the newly signed free agents will take up about $20 million, the Chargers’ available cap space would be reduced to around $30.7 million.
However, a potential Rashawn Slater extension (which should happen this offseason) would free up roughly $14.3 million, bringing the total available space to around $45 million.
The team’s draft class is expected to cost over $11 million, but if the Chargers trade a third-round pick, that number could drop to under $11 million. Even accounting for that, the Chargers would still have roughly $34 million in cap space to work with.
Some of that will naturally be reserved for in-season expenses, but the Chargers would still have ample room to fit Hendrickson’s $16 million cap hit this season. Additionally, the team has kept its future cap situation clear, with over $150 million in projected cap space for 2026.
While some of that will be used for Slater’s extension, the team could replace Khalil Mack’s $18 million cap hit with Hendrickson’s slightly larger cap hit next year.
Hendrickson would serve as a potential replacement for Joey Bosa and provide stability on the defensive line in case Mack departs after the 2025 season. While Tuli Tuipulotu shows promise, the Chargers could never have too many pass rushers — just ask the Philadelphia Eagles.
On paper, the Chargers are in an ideal position to trade a mid-round pick for Hendrickson. The real question is whether they’re interested in making the move.
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