NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year officially began Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agent signings can now be made official. The first round of the 2024 NFL draft begins April 25 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Los Angeles Chargers and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Denzel Perryman, LB
The Chargers signed former Houston Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman to a one-year deal.
What it means: Perryman returns to the Chargers, who drafted him in the second round of the 2015 draft. Perryman spent his first seven seasons with the Chargers, securing 250 tackles, which ranks 22nd in franchise history. Perryman's best asset at this point in his career is as a run-stopper, which will fill a void in the Chargers' run defense after the team cut Eric Kendricks. He lacks the same skill in pass coverage, but brings experience to a young group.
What's the risk: The Chargers drafted inside linebacker Daiyan Henley in the third round last year, and Perryman could be in line to take snaps away from Henley, who will need time on the field to develop. But beyond the time on the field, Perryman's experience should help Henley, and the Chargers' short commitment to him doesn't present much risk.
Hayden Hurst, TE
The Chargers are expected to sign former Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst, a source told ESPN.
What it means: The Chargers have found their replacement for tight end Gerald Everett, who left for the Chicago Bears. Hurst will likely fit better in this offense than Everett would have because of his skill as a blocker, while also being a reliable pass-catcher. Hurst is also reuniting with familiar faces in L.A. He played under Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman for two seasons in Baltimore, and general manager Joe Hortiz was a part of the staff in Baltimore that drafted Hurst in the first round in 2018.
What's the risk: Hurst's injury history is the biggest concern. He played in just nine games last season after a concussion in Week 10, so severe that he said he couldn't remember up to four hours after the game. His father, Jerry, also announced on X that Hurst was diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia.
Gus Edwards, RB
Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards agreed to a two-year deal with the Chargers, a source told ESPN.
What it means: Edwards, 28, gives the Chargers a player coming off his best season, finishing with 13 touchdowns playing for coach Jim Harbaugh's brother, John, in Baltimore. Edwards should have an easy transition to this offense under Greg Roman, who held the same position in Baltimore from 2019-2022.
What's the risk: Edwards has never been a starter in his career. He was used in a rotational role in Baltimore and started nine games last season after injuries in the Ravens backfield. If Edwards is the lead back, the Chargers would be putting an offense that is expected to have a feared rushing attack in the hands of a player who has never eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing in his career. L.A. could explore increased roles for players like running back Isaiah Spiller, who they drafted in the fourth round in 2022, or sign another back in free agency.
Bradley Bozeman, C
The Chargers signed former Carolina Panthers center Bradley Bozeman to a one-year deal.
What it means: This appears to be one of the Chargers' most important signings this offseason. Bozeman, who started for the Carolina Panthers, will fill perhaps the most significant void on the offensive line. With former Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley likely to retire, the Chargers needed to add players here. Bozeman gives them a player with seven seasons of experience that could be a bridge to their long-term center.
What's the risk: Like much of the Chargers' signings this offseason, Bozeman's deal has little risk. He is another signing with a small financial commitment, and it's another one-year deal setting up the Chargers to be more aggressive in free agency next season.
Poona Ford, DT
The Chargers signed former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Poona Ford to a one-year deal.
What it means: Ford's last year in Buffalo was his seventh in the NFL. Last season, the Chargers released defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, who was a captain and leader of the group. Ford perhaps isn't the same caliber of player as Joseph-Day, but he brings experience to the Chargers' defensive line
What's the risk: Minimal. The Chargers haven't committed significant money to Ford, or likely expect to rely on him to be one of their top players.
Alohi Gilman, S
The Chargers are re-signing safety Alohi Gilman to a two-year, $11 million deal.
What it means: Despite an entirely new leadership structure from the one that drafted Gilman in the sixth round in 2020, the Chargers saw that the safety was a valuable part of the defense in 2023. In his first year as a starter, Gilman, 26, had his best season, finishing with two interceptions, ten pass breakups and three forced fumbles, despite missing three games with a heel injury. Gilman also played the final eight games of the season with a brace on his left arm, limiting his range of motion.
What's the risk: Gilman's deal feels like a bargain for how he performed last season. Perhaps the biggest concern for the Chargers is if Gilman outperforms this contract in year one and is looking for a more lucrative deal next summer. But if Gilman has another career year, that would be a good problem for the Chargers to have.
Will Dissly, TE
Former Seattle Seahawks tight end Will Dissly has agreed to a three-year deal with the Chargers.
What it means: The Chargers are serious about having an impactful rushing offense. Since coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz were hired, their public comments have focused on improving the Chargers' rushing offense. The Chargers' highest rank in average rushing yards per game since quarterback Justin Herbert was drafted in 2020 was 18th in 2021; they finished 24th last season and 30th in 2022. Dissly gives the Chargers the blocking tight end this offense has been missing.
What's the risk: There isn't much risk here for the Chargers, who have committed just $10 million guaranteed to Dissly over three years. Dissly played for six years in Seattle, where he was a reliable run blocker who caught passes when called upon but wasn't a focus of the passing offense. That is the kind of player the Chargers have needed. If Dissly takes a step back as a blocker, that would significantly hurt the Chargers because of how much running this offense plans to do. Still, the commitment to Dissly is minimal enough to where it wouldn't hurt the team significantly.
Easton Stick, QB
The Chargers re-signed quarterback Easton Stick.
What it means: Stick has been with the Chargers since he entered the league in 2020. He started the last four games of the season in 2023 after Justin Herbert fractured his right index finger. Stick was winless, but played without wide receiver Keenan Allen and others on the Chargers injury-riddled offense. Stick did show skill as a passer and scrambler, and that appeared enough for coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz to feel comfortable retaining him.
What's the risk: If Herbert is injured, do the Chargers feel comfortable that Stick could keep the offense functioning? It's hard to evaluate Stick based on last season, considering the team had fired its head coach and general manager after his first start. With the many quarterback injuries in recent years, however, having a competent backup quarterback is paramount. The signing implies the Chargers believe Stick is capable, but he's never won a game in the NFL.
Troy Dye, LB
The Chargers signed former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Troy Dye to a one-year deal.
What it means: With Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray Jr. leaving in free agency, the Chargers needed to add to their linebacker group, and Dye should fill that void while being a contributor on special teams. Dye played under special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken in Minnesota, so he'll be a familiar face in that group. In his final season in Minnesota, Dye finished with 17 tackles and one sack.
What's the risk: There isn't much risk with signing Dye. He also played college football at Oregon with Just Herbert -- the two spoke on FaceTime after Dye signed his contract. Dye's familiarity with the Chargers should make his fit somewhat seamless.