The NFL is a constantly changing, constantly evolving league full of a wealth of talent and changing philosophies on a year-to-year basis. That is why roster turnover is generally high for most teams every season.
For the Los Angeles Chargers, several key players will hit free agency at the conclusion of the 2025 season, unless the team chooses to extend any of them during the year. Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh are building a contender and they may just be a piece or two away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Of the players on that list, these four players need to step their game up the most in order to stay in the team's future plans.
Chargers players who must step up in contract year of 2025
Alohi Gilman, Safety
Gilman spent some time injured during the 2024 season and the Chargers saw an emergence in defensive back Elijah Molden, who is not only capable of replacing Gilman in the lineup but probably will unless the team uses Derwin James as a slot cornerback again.
Zion Johnson, Guard
There have been talks of trying former first-round pick Zion Johnson at center in 2025, and that may be the only way he stays in the starting lineup. His best bet is still to win one of the guard spots and do enough to convince the team to bring him back, even though the team chose to decline his fifth-year option.
Trey Pipkins, Offensive Lineman
If Johnson's roster status is shaky, Trey Pipkins' might be even worse. The former starting offensive tackle has been relegated to backup status with the team now having Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. But every team needs a good swing tackle and that's what Pipkins can still be. He'll need to show that he deserves that spot more than anyone else.
Mike Williams, Wide Receiver
The Chargers brought back their former first-round pick in free agency but the leash on Mike Williams won't be a long one.
Williams will turn 31 years old in October and there will be a lot of competition at the wide receiver position. If Williams doesn't do anything to stand out, the one-year contract he signed with the team this offseason will be the last one he gets from the Chargers.
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