This offseason, LA Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has a mind buzzing with plans for the year. But one goal stands above the rest: To get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame. That set the course in stone. The mission became clear: a couple of Super Bowl wins are necessary just to enter that conversation. And it all starts with correcting the mistakes of last season. Harbaugh is ready.

Last year, when Jim Harbaugh took over as head coach of the Chargers, his goal was clear—do whatever it takes to make them a contender. But he made a critical mistake: underestimating the value of wide receiver Keenan Allen. They chose not to extend the 33-year-old veteran, and he moved to the Chicago Bears, where he recorded 70 receptions for 744 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Chargers finished 19th in receiving yards (3,901) and 15th in receiving touchdowns (23)—a clear gap that shows what they lost. Although Allen is a free agent this year, and the Chargers are interested in him, many other teams are fighting to sign him. The 49ers, Cardinals, and Raiders! Among all these, the diners might give fierce competition as they have already traded their WR Deebo Samuel to the Commanders. The Raiders could also benefit from the veteran receiver, as they came 28th in receiving TDs last year (19).

His role will be similar to Davante Adams at the LA Rams. Play all the way while mentoring young boys. Among the 12 WRs in the Chargers roster, only 3 are above 25. So, they need someone like Allen who could guide them with opening the defense. But will the coach get a free pass? He made a crucial mistake last year.

The top WR for the franchise in 2024 was rookie WR Ladd McConkey with 82 receptions for 1149 yards and 7 touchdowns. The second-best receiver was Quentin Johnston, with 55 receptions for 711 yards and 8 touchdowns. Jim Harbaugh understood what Allen brought with him. A stealthy edge to the offense. Even last year, he became the fastest player to score 950 career receptions.

Amid the fierce battle for the receiver, the head coach is also getting advice about trimming down his roster. They have to finalize 53 out of 90 players.

Jim Harbaugh might axe four players soon

Although they have some time left to cut players, HC Jim Hrabaugh must sit down with GM Joe Horitz and discuss the potential players who rank low in their depth chart. 2 offensive and 2 defensive players face tough competition. RB Kimani Vidal, DT Justin Eboigbe, CB Ja’Sir Taylor, and WR Quentin Johnston.

Although Johnston proved his worth last year with his performance being the second best in the receiving department, Vidal couldn’t show much talent. In 6 games (none starter), he only recorded 30 rushes for 98 yards with no touchdowns. He was slightly more productive in the receiving game with 1 touchdown. Jim Harbaugh might keep the receiver while parting ways with the running back.

In the defensive game, Ebioge didn’t start any game in his rookie season last year, but finished with 2 tackles in the limited action of 5 games. Taylor was more productive in 3 seasons with the Chargers, playing 48 games (11 starters) and recording 1 interception and 76 tackles (50 solo). Well, the heat is now rising.

As the staff and coaches see more players in the practice camp, they will have a clear idea of who’s going to stick with their strategy. It’s not going to be easy, though.