Chargers Cap Space for 2026 NFL Free Agency

The Los Angeles Chargers qualify as a potential big spender in 2026 free agency. 

As of March 4, Los Angeles owns $84.4 million in cap room and $80.2 million in effective cap room. 

The latter figure is determined after a team signs 51 players and its projected rookie class. 

In terms of total salary cap space, only two teams currently project to have more room than the Chargers. By effective cap space, the Chargers trail only the Titans in projected space. 

Chargers Free Agents 2026: Will Khalil Mack Return to LA? 

Edge rusher Khalil Mack enters free agency at 35 years old. Whether the Chargers elect to retain him is undetermined. 

If Mack returns to Los Angeles, it likely comes at a discount compared to his recent salary. Last year, Mack’s APY came in at $18 million. 

Alternatively, the Chargers could spend big on a top edge rusher like Trey Hendrickson to replace Mack. 

Cheaper in-house alternatives, such as Odafe Oweh and Da’Shawn Hand, also present replacement options. 

On offense, the Chargers’ notable free agent is wide receiver Keenan Allen. General manager Joe Hortiz also must contend with some potential departures along the offensive line. 

Guard Zion Johnson, who played virtually every snap last year, enters free agency. Contracts for tackles Trevor Penning, Trey Pipkins and Austin Deculus also expire. 

Johnson, Allen and Pipkins are the only Chargers free agents who played a majority of snaps last year.