The Los Angeles Chargers have finalized their draft class signings, with wide receiver Ladd McConkey being the last player to come to terms among the nine selections. McConkey, along with the rest of the team’s draft picks and undrafted rookies, will report to training camp on July 16, a week before the veterans. In previous years, the Chargers have faced contract disputes with their rookies, particularly those at the top of the draft, but under new general manager Joe Hortiz, everyone is now lined up and under contract as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing season in the AFC West.
McConkey’s four-year deal is reportedly worth $9.9 million, with a signing bonus of $4.089 million and a base salary of $795,000 for the season, resulting in an overall salary cap hit of $1.022 million. The team’s first-round pick, right tackle Joe Alt from Notre Dame, signed a four-year, $33 million contract with all of it guaranteed, including a $20.9 million signing bonus. Alt’s salary cap charge of $6 million is second only to right guard Trey Pipkins among Chargers offensive linemen. Pipkins, who recently signed a three-year, $21.75 million contract extension, is moving from right tackle to right guard this season and received a $13.25 million guarantee.
Having completed their draft pick signings, the Chargers now have approximately $20 million remaining in cap space, placing them around the middle of the pack among NFL teams. However, they are burdened by dead cap charges of nearly $54 million, a figure only surpassed by four other teams in the league. These charges are a result of shedding veteran wide receivers this offseason and dealing with the fallout from the ill-fated signing of free-agent cornerback J.C. Jackson two years ago. Jackson’s dead cap hit of $20.8 million is the highest on the team, with additional charges from releasing Mike Williams ($12.4 million) and trading Keenan Allen ($11.6 million) contributing to the financial constraints the Chargers are facing.
Despite these financial challenges, the Chargers are focused on regaining their competitive edge in the AFC West after finishing last season with a 5-12 record. The team’s investments in their draft picks, including high-profile signings like McConkey and Alt, reflect their commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming season. As training camp approaches, the Chargers are determined to put their financial setbacks behind them and focus on preparing for the challenges ahead, with a renewed sense of optimism and determination under the leadership of new general manager Joe Hortiz. The team’s salary cap situation, while challenging, has not dampened their spirits as they strive to climb back up the standings and compete at a high level in the AFC West.
