Chargers bolster solid defense with signings, draft picks

The Chargers were extremely selective in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft in adding to their defense, which ranked ninth in the league last year while surrendering 20 points per game.

The biggest moves were bringing back edge rusher Khalil Mack on a one-year deal, signing veteran nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and selecting defensive end Akheem Mesidor in the first round.

Here is a look at where things stand with their defensive depth chart, post free agency and the draft:

Defensive line

Starters: Edge Khalil Mack, Edge Tuli Tuipulotu, DE Jamaree Caldwell, NT Dalvin Tomlinson, DT Teair Tart

Reserves: Akheem Mesidor, Bud Dupree, Kyle Kennard, Garmon Randolph, Nadame Tucker, Niles King, TeRah Edwards, Josh Fuga, Jahmeer Carter, Jacobian Guillory, Terry Webb, Justin Eboigbe, Nick Barrett

The skinny: Mack and Tuipulotu remain a solid one-two punch off the edge, with Mesidor, their rookie first-round pick, adding immediate impact as rotational pass rush and long-range coverage for Mack’s eventual departure. The pass-rush versatility of Mack and Mesidor should create plenty of opportunities for all three to be on the field together. Tucker, Dupree and Kennard will be given opportunities to earn depth roles.

On the inside, Tomlinson, a longtime NFL veteran, was brought on in free agency, and Barrett was drafted in the fifth round from South Carolina. Barrett will learn under Tomlinson as a rookie and could be in line to replace him in a year or so.

Bottom line: The additions of Tomlinson, Mesidor and Barrett help add punch and experience to the starting lineup and the potential for future starters. With Mack and Tuipulotu playing on expiring contracts, the Chargers need to uncover some long-range help, although Tuipulotu is virtually a cinch to be locked up on a long-term extension.

Linebacker

Starters: Daiyan Henley, Denzel Perryman

Reserves: Troy Dye, Marlowe Wax, Del’Shawn Phillips, Junior Colson, Emany Johnson, Lander Barton

The skinny: Perryman just keeps plugging away, providing solid play and leadership, with Henley as a solid sidekick. The key now is building quality depth, with Colson facing a big season and needing to prove he can stay healthy. The former Michigan standout played just 11 games as a rookie in 2024 while dealing with various ailments and missed all of last season after suffering a shoulder injury in training camp. He’s a good player; he just needs to stay healthy.

Bottom line: If Colson can stay on the field, he’ll ease some of the depth concerns. Barton and Wax, a pair of undrafted free agents the last two years, will get opportunities to earn roster spots and special teams roles.

Cornerback

Starters: Tarheeb Still, Donte Jackson

Reserves: Cam Hart, Nikko Reed, Eric Rogers, Deane Leonard,  Avery Smith, Jeremiah Wilson, Isas Waxter, Jordan Oladokun, Rodney Shelley

The skinny: Still, Jackson and Hart are the returnees, and don’t be surprised if Hart supplants one of them for a starting job. Either way, all three will see the field in the club’s various base, nickel and dime formations. Reed and Rogers are well-liked in the building after coming on board as UDFAs last year. It’s not a big-name room, but there is talent for sure.

Bottom line: The Chargers felt good enough about this room to avoid adding to it during the draft, although that could have been a case of them simply seeing better value when their selections arrived throughout the process. They will assess the situation during OTAs and minicamp, but it would not be a surprise if they circled back to it with some veteran additions.

Safety

Starters: Derwin James, Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson

Reserves: Genesis Smith, R.J. Mickens, Kendall Williamson, Noah Avinger, Devin Grant

The skinny: James’ versatility allows him to play all over the field and gives the Chargers comfort in utilizing a lot of three-safety formations. Jefferson and Molden will share the field with James and enable James to be used as a chess piece to fit the situation. Smith, a fourth-round pick, and Mickens will be given every opportunity to earn an immediate role in the rotation.

Bottom line: At this point, the only real question is how quickly Smith can push for the third safety role. Mickens and Jefferson will have a big say in that, but on paper, the depth looks good.