The Los Angeles Chargers announced the release of tight end Will Dissly on Wednesday, as reported by Daniel Popper of The Athletic. This roster change comes as the team prepares to trim its lineup before the new league year begins next week. Alongside Dissly, the Chargers also cut offensive guard Mekhi Becton and offensive tackle Savion Washington to free up salary cap space and adjust their roster heading into the 2026 season. Dissly’s 2025 campaign was hindered by injuries; he appeared in just nine games and managed 11 receptions for 97 yards without scoring a touchdown, a significant drop from his more productive first year with the team.
Dissly, 29, missed multiple weeks after a knee injury and saw reduced involvement in the offense in the latter part of the season. His debut season with the Chargers in 2024 was marked by career highs including 50 catches, 64 targets, 481 receiving yards, and two touchdowns across 15 games. Moving forward, he is projected to attract interest as a depth option at tight end, although he is unlikely to factor significantly in fantasy football lineups given his recent performance and health concerns.
Ongoing Changes on the Chargers’ Offensive Line
The Chargers signal a clear shift on their offensive front with the impending release of guard Mekhi Becton, as confirmed by a source to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Cutting Becton will alleviate roughly $9.7 million in salary cap obligations for the 2026 season. Despite a promising stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, where he played right guard more effectively, Becton struggled in pass protection during his 2025 season with the Chargers. At just 26 years old, the former 11th overall pick by the New York Jets has yet to realize the potential expected of him, largely due to persistent injury issues and inconsistent play.
Becton has started 59 out of 61 career games across five years but continues to face challenges with durability and adapting to different offensive line roles. His physical stature—standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 363 pounds—remains an asset, which is expected to draw interest from other teams seeking support for their offensive line, likely in a rotational capacity rather than as a primary starter. When asked about Becton’s status, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz responded,
“I’m not going to talk about that right now.”
This statement underscores the tentative nature of the team’s plans but aligns with widespread speculation about Becton’s future in Los Angeles.
Linebacker Khalil Mack Confirms Plans to Stay in 2026
Veteran linebacker Khalil Mack, currently a free agent after the 2025 season, is expected to continue playing for the Chargers in 2026, according to multiple sources cited by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Though a free agent priority for Los Angeles, Mack is reportedly evaluating all his options on the open market. At age 35, the nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro remains one of the top edge rushers available, thanks to a robust 2025 season where he tallied 32 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles in just 12 games.
After signing a one-year, $18 million deal in March 2025, Mack showed he can still contribute at a high level and could receive a similar short-term offer to stay with the Chargers for a fifth consecutive season. His recent performance has demonstrated sustained elite play, with 11.5 sacks over the past two years and a 17-sack peak in 2023. The team and fans alike will be watching closely as Mack’s next contract negotiations unfold.
Running Back Najee Harris Progresses Well Post-Injury
Najee Harris, the Chargers’ free-agent running back, is showing impressive recovery progress nearly five months after undergoing surgery for a torn Achilles tendon. His agent, Doug Hendrickson, revealed that Harris is “looking outstanding” and able to run at 15 mph on an Alter-G treadmill. Harris’ 2025 season was abruptly halted in Week 3 due to his injury, paving the way for rookie Omarion Hampton to take on the lead-back role for most of the year.
Harris, nearing 28 years old, finished 2025 with only 61 rushing yards on 15 carries and no touchdowns. Though he had posted four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons before arriving in Los Angeles, the Achilles tear casts uncertainty over his market value as a free agent. While he is unlikely to command a contract suited for a lead running back role going forward, Harris remains a viable veteran option who could contribute in a complementary backfield capacity.
Wide Receiver Quentin Johnston’s Growth and New Coaching Influence
Wide receiver Quentin Johnston started the 2025 campaign strongly with 22 catches, 339 yards, and four touchdowns over the first four games, positioning himself for a breakout year. However, his production tapered off, concluding the season with 51 receptions for 735 yards and eight touchdowns across 14 games. The arrival of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, formerly head coach of the Miami Dolphins, offers potential for revitalizing the Chargers’ passing game and enhancing overall offensive performance.
Johnston, 24, may rise in the depth chart as veteran Keenan Allen enters free agency, possibly moving from his current backup spot to a more prominent role. With rookie wide receiver Tre’ Harris also pushing for playing time, competition within the receiving corps will intensify. Though Johnston presents fantasy upside, he is likely to maintain a boom-or-bust skill profile, functioning best as a WR3 in fantasy formats due to inconsistency.
Rising Running Back Omarion Hampton’s Prospects for 2026
Selected 22nd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, running back Omarion Hampton’s rookie season was limited to nine games owing to ankle injuries, yet his performances signaled promise for the future. After Najee Harris’ injury early in the season, Hampton showcased his talent by rushing for 165 total yards and a touchdown in a notable Week 4 game. Despite further injuries and an undermanned offensive line, Hampton maintained a strong average of 4.4 yards per carry while contributing in the passing game.
At just 22 years old, Hampton is poised for a breakout year in 2026, benefiting from the expected healthy return of both himself and the Chargers’ offensive line. Under Mike McDaniel’s system, Hampton could emerge as a top-five fantasy running back, making him a valuable asset for the team and dynasty fantasy managers alike.
Wide Receiver Ladd McConkey Aims to Rebound After a Difficult Season
Ladd McConkey endured a challenging sophomore NFL season, posting 66 catches for 789 yards and six touchdowns, which ranked him as the 30th overall wide receiver by fantasy metrics. While not a total disappointment, McConkey was unable to replicate the notable success of his rookie year, when he ranked 13th with 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite the drop-off, quarterback Justin Herbert continued to perform at a high level, suggesting McConkey’s setbacks stemmed more from defensive adjustments and a frail offensive line that hampered consistency.
The hiring of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator is expected to benefit McConkey and the Chargers’ skill players by refreshing the offensive approach. Additionally, with Keenan Allen likely to depart in free agency, McConkey may receive an increased target share. Dynasty managers may view McConkey as a potential buy-low candidate due to lingering frustration over his 2025 output.
Najee Harris Prepares to Enter Free Agency Following Achilles Injury
Najee Harris is entering free agency again after missing most of the 2025 season with a torn Achilles tendon. After a strong four-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which he demonstrated consistent fantasy football success, Harris signed a one-year deal with the Chargers. Unfortunately, his time in Los Angeles was curtailed after just three games with limited production before his injury.
Coming off a major surgery, Harris will likely not command a contract with lead-back expectations. Instead, he is expected to fill a complementary role, sharing carries with younger backs. Although he is no longer a must-start fantasy option, Harris remains a valuable RB3 or flex player and should be retained in most dynasty leagues.
Justin Herbert’s Performance Impacted by Offensive Line Struggles
Quarterback Justin Herbert maintained solid individual numbers during the 2025 season, accumulating 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, alongside a career-best 498 rushing yards with two rushing scores. Despite these achievements, his overall ceiling was limited by a weak offensive line that ranked near the bottom in pass protection according to PFF rankings.
The Chargers are expected to prioritize bolstering their offensive line in free agency to enhance Herbert’s protection and allow him to build on his top-10 fantasy quarterback finish. With roster improvements, Herbert could realize top-five upside in the 2026 season. At 27 years old, he remains a valuable franchise quarterback and a recommended hold in dynasty leagues.
Wide Receiver Tre’ Harris Poised for Expanded Role in 2026
Tre’ Harris, a rookie wide receiver, struggled to make a strong impact in 2025, catching 30 passes for 324 yards and one touchdown primarily from a fourth-string role. However, his opportunity for an expanded role increases with the likely departure of Keenan Allen in free agency and the departure of former offensive coordinator Greg Roman, replaced by Mike McDaniel.
Harris is expected to move up to third on the depth chart and inherit many of Allen’s targets. He may also compete to become the No. 2 receiver behind Ladd McConkey, depending on Quentin Johnston’s contract status following the 2026 season. In the short term, Harris’s growth makes him a noteworthy dynasty hold and a potential late-round flyer in redraft formats.
