The Chargers had one of the best defenses in football last season. This was obviously due to the big names like Khalil Mack and Derwin James. However, guys like Poona Ford and Teair Tart immensely outplayed their contracts. Ford was statistically one of the better interior D-linemen in the NFL in the 2025 season. That said, Tart and Ford are scheduled to be free agents this offseason.
This offseason, are four routes the Chargers can go this offseason. They can bring back one or both of them on contracts that fit their level of play, sign more underrated players to hopefully recreate last season, draft someone, or make a move for an established star. Luckily, the door for one of those routes has just opened.
It has been reported by multiple outlets that the Washington Commanders and standout DL Jonathan Allen are looking for a trade. The thirty-year-old is a stud and one who would thrive in Jim Harbaugh’s defense. He also had a down year, one that would potentially lower his trade value. The thought process is that Jesse Minter and Jim Harbaugh turned around the careers of Ford and Tart. If they got a guy who has already produced at an elite level, what could he do in powder blue and gold? The chances are it would be something special.
It is also worth noting that this draft class is loaded with interior D-linemen. The Chargers could use one of their top picks on a guy like Mason Graham, or open that pick up for another need like TE or EDGE by addressing that spot by acquiring Allen. They could also use Allen as a short term solution while developing his successor who they get in the later rounds of this draft.
It is no secret that Defensive Tackles take longer than many other positions to find their footing in the NFL, which is why it is worth swinging big on a veteran, especially if Los Angeles invests in a later-round pick. Just last year, the Chargers had Justin Eboigbe struggle in his rookie year. It wouldn’t hurt to re-sign Poona Ford, but a well-established player under the magic that is Jesse Minter would likely do wonders.
Of course, there are other options the Chargers can take when it comes to established veterans. At Defensive End, they can go with guys like Jarran Reed, Brandon Graham, Emmanuel Ogbah, or Solomon Thomas. There are also Defensive Tackles available like D.J. Jones, Sebastian Joseph-Day, and Super Bowl hero Milton Williams., It is also worth noting that they could bring back Ford and Tart for a similar price. The Chargers could go with any of these guys and hope to get a good return out of it.
Interior Defensive Line is one of the most important positions for the Chargers this offseason. They could continue Joe Hortiz’s compensatory pick machine, or they could find a longterm solution at the position. Either way, Jim Harbaugh wins football games in the trenches, offensively and defensively. They are on their way to making that the case in the offense with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Last year, the defensive front was already there. However, the front seven for the Chargers will likley be much different next season. If that is the case, adding in a veteran like Jonathan Allen would be a great idea.