The Chargers sit at 5-3 heading into Week 9, a bit of a disappointing spot after the start they had. The team has limped into the halfway mark and while they still possess a Wild Card spot, they’ve lost some ground over this last month.
With that, the front office make look to upgrade the roster through trade before next Tuesday’s deadline so let’s look at a few possible positions that the Bolts could address.
Running back
Omarion Hampton is nearing a return, but the Chargers may want to fortify the depth at running back in the case of another injury. To be fair, second-year back Kimani Vidal has done quite well in Hampton’s absence, as he’s eclipsed 100 rushing yards in two of his three starts.
Beyond Vidal though, there’s not much remaining depth in the running back room with Najee Harris out for the year. Jaret Patterson and Hassan Haskins have filled in sporadically with a combined 60 offensive snaps over the last few weeks, but neither has topped 2.8 yards per carry.
In today’s era, having three viable running back options is more necessary than ever. Alvin Kamara and Breece Hall are a few names to keep an eye on in the running back market.
Offensive tackle
The Chargers have suffered injury after injury throughout its roster, but the offensive tackle spot has been affected more than any other group. It all started with the season-ending injury to superstar Rashawn Slater back in August, and it’s been downhill ever since.
Joe Alt missed three games and while he’s back in the lineup now, there remains a hole on the opposite side. Between other injuries and poor performance, the right tackle spot is a major need.
Justin Herbert has been sacked 22 times in 2025, the fourth-most amongst NFL quarterbacks. If the Chargers want to reach the postseason this year, they have to keep Herbert healthy and upright. Addressing the offensive tackle position, specifically the right side, should be Joe Hortiz’s No. 1 priority ahead of the trade deadline.
Defensive line
This is another room that has been affected by injuries this season. Valuable pieces Da’Shawn Hand and Otito Ogbonnia are both on the IR at the moment, so the room suddenly isn’t so deep anymore.
Teair Tart has stepped up as the star of this group in 2025, but the Chargers need someone else to step up along the defensive line. That may have to come from an outside reinforcement, and the front office could look into the trade market for a veteran like Shelby Harris.
Interior offensive line
Mekhi Becton hasn’t been the signing that many, including myself, expected him to be. Bradley Bozeman continues to grade out as the worst center in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. The Chargers offensive line is in shambles, and that includes the interior.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many (if any) upgrade options on the market through trade. Giants offensive lineman Evan Neal could be an option to help out at guard, but he has yet to even play in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 4 positions Chargers could address ahead of trade deadline
Reporting by Spencer Schultz, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
