The first day of NFL free agency’s legal tampering period began Monday at 9 a.m. PT, and the Chargers were relatively quiet.
Two former Chargers switched teams during free agency, while the team signed a tight end and an offensive lineman and re-signed another offensive lineman.
Here are the grades for the moves involving the Chargers so far:
Player: TE Charlie Kolar
Contract: Three years, $24.3 million ($17 million guaranteed)
Former Team: Baltimore Ravens
The Chargers dipped into their Ravens connection by signing Kolar to a three-year deal. He is a player general manager Joe Hortiz previously scouted and helped bring to Baltimore.
The biggest part of Kolar’s game is his blocking ability. He is one of the better blocking tight ends in the NFL and should help improve a tight end room that needed a reliable blocker.
It is no secret that Jim Harbaugh wants an aggressive, physical team. Adding fullback Alec Ingold and Kolar signals the Chargers are leaning heavily into the run game.
Kolar isn’t known as a major receiving threat, finishing last season with 10 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns, but those numbers could increase in Mike McDaniel’s offense. Plus, with Oronde Gadsden expected to be the primary receiving tight end, Kolar’s presence helps solidify the blocking side of the position.
Grade: B+
Player: G Cole Strange
Contract: Two years, $13 million
Former Team: Miami Dolphins
It appears Strange could step in as the starting right guard, especially with $9 million of his contract guaranteed. Unless the Chargers make another move in free agency or address the position in the draft, he is likely penciled in as the starter.
Strange played for the Dolphins last season, so he is familiar with Mike McDaniel’s system and offensive line coach Butch Barry.
The former first-round pick has had a bit of a rollercoaster career so far. Perhaps he can grow into his role, especially while playing next to right tackle Joe Alt. Strange has experience at right guard, left guard, and center, but overall he has been an average player during his career.
Grade: C-
Player: LG Zion Johnson
New Team: Cleveland Browns
Contract: Three years, $49.5 million ($32.4 million guaranteed)
Johnson was the healthiest offensive lineman for the Chargers last season. However, the offensive line as a whole struggled and ranked among the worst units in the NFL.
A $16.5 million annual salary seems steep for a player who, just a year ago, was competing with Bradley Bozeman for the starting center position.
There isn’t much surprise that the Chargers chose not to bring him back. Harbaugh and Hortiz did not draft Johnson, and the new regime appears willing to move on and explore other options.
It’s difficult to fully grade this move from the Chargers’ perspective until they address the left guard position, but for now it could end up being a smart financial decision.
Grade (for Browns): C+
Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune
Zion Johnson #77 of the Los Angeles Chargers blocks during training camp at The Bolt on July 24, 2025 in El Segundo, California.
Player: OLB Odafe Oweh
New Team: Washington Commanders
Contract: Four years, $100 million ($68 million guaranteed)
This move was somewhat surprising. When Johnson received his deal, it seemed possible the Chargers might turn their attention toward bringing Oweh back, but they likely viewed the price as too steep.
Oweh was productive for the Chargers, recording 10.5 sacks and multiple forced fumbles in just 13 games.
He should add plenty of pass-rushing energy to Washington, though he may not have the same level of talent around him as he did in Los Angeles.
For the Chargers, this creates an interesting situation. In Jesse Minter’s defense—and now under Chris O’Leary—the system relies on three consistent pass rushers attacking the quarterback. Kyle Kennard may not be ready yet, and Bud Dupree did not have a particularly strong 2025 season.
It will be interesting to see whether the Chargers address the position through the draft, pursue a cheaper free-agent option, or potentially set their sights on someone like Trey Hendrickson as other teams begin to run low on cap space.
Grade (for Washington): A-
Jordon Kelly-The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) celebrates after a sack during a NFL game against the Houston Texans on December 027, 2025 at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
Player: S Alohi Gilman
New Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Contract: Three years, $24.75 million ($15 million guaranteed)
The Chiefs have shown a tendency to sign former Chargers in recent seasons, adding players like Drue Tranquill and Kristian Fulton.
Gilman was part of the trade that sent Oweh to Los Angeles before eventually landing in Baltimore, and now he joins his third team in less than six months.
He has had solid moments with both of his previous teams and now heads to Kansas City, where he is expected to take over for Brian Cook, who signed with Cincinnati.
The contract is intriguing, and it will be interesting to see the full details once they are released.
Grade (for KC): C+
