Los Angeles Chargers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Is This Finally The Year?

With several teams kicking off their organized team activities this week, the NFL offseason is in full swing.

Teams have OTAs sprinkled in over the next three weeks before a month-long break until training camp begins in mid-to-end July.

We'll be reviewing the major offseason changes for all 32 teams in addition to previewing what to expect from each team as they head into training camp. Below is our 2026 training camp preview for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Key Offseason Dates

Voluntary OTAs: May 26-27, May 29, June 2-4, June 8-11

Mandatory minicamp: June 16-18

Training camp: mid-July

NFL Hall of Fame game: Aug. 6

Key Additions:

Keaton Mitchell, RB

Alec Ingold, FB

Charlie Kolar, TE

David Njoku, TE

Kayode Awosika, OG

Cole Strange, OG

Tyler Biadasz, C

Dalvin Tomlinson, DT

Re-Signed:

Trey Lance, QB

Trey Pipkins, OT

Josh Harris, LS

Del'Shawn Phillips, DE

Denzel Perryman, LB

Deane Leonard, CB

Tony Jefferson, S

2026 NFL Draft Class:

Akheem Mesidor, DE, Round 1

Jake Slaughter, C, Round 2

Brenen Thompson, WR, Round 4

Travis Burke, OT, Round 4

Genesis Smith, S, Round 4

Nick Barrett, DT, Round 5

Logan Taylor, OG, Round 6

Alex Harkey, OG, Round 6

Key Losses:

Tyler Conklin, TE

Foster Sarell, OT

Austin Deculus, OT

Zion Johnson, OG

Jamaree Salyer, OG

Da'shawn Hand, DT

Otito Ogbonnia, DT

Odafe Oweh, DE

Benjamin St-Juste, CB

Analysis:

Head coach Jim Harbaugh has delivered in both of his first two seasons with the Chargers, leading them to matching 11-6 records with back-to-back playoff appearances. But it's safe to say Chargers fans will be expecting more next season.

The team beefed up its offensive line by signing guard Cole Strange and Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz, and drafting second-round center Jake Slaughter and fourth-round offensive tackle Travis Burke.

They also bolstered the offense by adding running back Keaton Mitchell, tight end David Njoku, and drafting speedy wide receiver Brenen Thompson in the fourth round at the request of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. A 1-2 punch of Njoku and Oronde Gadsden (49 catches, 664 yards, three touchdowns) is arguably the best tight end duo in the NFL and should pay dividends for Pro Bowl QB Justin Herbert.

McDaniel's innovative offensive mind should do wonders for Herbert and wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston. It's possible McDaniel is one-and-done in L.A. as he could get another head-coaching job the following season, so Harbaugh and the Chargers will want to make the most out of having him around in 2026.

A 12-win season is definitely doable for the Chargers next year, as is them finally getting out of the wild-card round of the playoffs.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 5:46 PM.