The 2021 season was the Los Angeles Chargers' 52nd season in the National Football League (NFL), their 62nd overall, their sixth in the Greater Los Angeles Area, their second playing their home games at SoFi Stadium and their first under head coach Brandon Staley. They improved upon their 7–9 season from the previous year after a win over the New York Giants, finishing 9–8 but narrowly missing the playoffs for the third consecutive season after a Week 18 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. In that game, they were beaten by a field goal as time expired in overtime when a tie would have put both teams in the playoffs.
Los Angeles began the season 4–1, but were only 5–7 over the remaining twelve games. Highlights included road victories over the Bengals and Chiefs, who contested the AFC Championship Game at the end of the season. Staley implemented an aggressive offensive philosophy that saw the team often spurn punts or field goals in favor of going for it on 4th down, and the Chargers set a record for most 4th down conversions in a season with 22 from 34 attempts. Staley's philosophy was criticized after failed attempts in overtime defeats to the Chiefs and Raiders.
During the offseason, Los Angeles had prioritized an upgrade of their offensive line, with 1st-round draft pick Rashawn Slater joining free-agent signings Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler. Aided by their protection, quarterback Justin Herbert set numerous team records, and became the first Charger to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season. His top receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, each had over 1,100 receiving yards. While the running game was less effective, running back Austin Ekeler, through a mix of rushing and receiving, scored 20 touchdowns, a feat previously achieved only by LaDainian Tomlinson in franchise history. The defense was weaker than the offense, despite strong seasons from edge rusher Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James, who returned after missing the entire 2020 season through injury. They struggled particularly against the run and gave up several big plays on the ground during their season-ending defeat.
This was the last time that the Chargers would win a regular season game against their rival Chiefs until 2025.
Coaching changes
Anthony Lynn was fired as head coach of the Chargers on January 4, the day after their 2020 season had concluded with a 7–9 record. Lynn had compiled a 33–31 record over four seasons, making the playoffs once. His reign was marked by several narrow defeats, including seven one-score losses in the 2020 season; they lost several games from strong positions that season, four times being beaten after holding double-digit leads. Lynn and his team were also criticized for errors with clock management.
It took the Chargers less than a fortnight to choose Lynn's successor, with Brandon Staley named the new head coach on January 17. It was Staley's first head coaching job; he had spent the previous season as defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, in charge of a defense that was the league's best in both points allowed and yards allowed. General manager Tom Telesco noted Staley's football mind and work ethic as reasons for the hire, while Staley described the job as a dream come true. Los Angeles also changed their offensive, defensive and special teams coordinators, with a trio of hires announced on January 25. New offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi had filled the same role for Detroit in 2014 and 2015, before serving as New Orleans Saints quarterback coach in the previous five seasons. Renaldo Hill joined from Denver as defensive coordinator after two seasons as defensive backs coach with the Broncos; he and Staley had worked together previously, having both been on the Broncos' staff during the 2019 season. New special teams coordinator Derius Swinton II had over a decade of NFL experience in that field with various clubs, most recently Arizona.
Roster changes
Overview
Los Angeles overhauled their offensive line in the offseason after the unit was perceived to have performed poorly in 2020. Starters Dan Feeney, Forrest Lamp, Sam Tevi, and Trai Turner were either waived or allowed to leave in free agency, leaving only Bryan Bulaga to carry over into 2021. The Chargers filled three of their line vacancies through free agency. Center Corey Linsley signed a 5-year contract worth over $60 million. He had spent the previous seven seasons in Green Bay, starting 99 games and being named a 1st-team All-Pro in 2020 by the Associated Press. Former Steelers left guard Matt Feiler signed for three years on the same day, and Oday Aboushi, who had spent the past two seasons at Detroit, was brought in shortly afterward to play right guard.
Other offensive changes included the starting tight end spot: Hunter Henry left in free agency after five years with the Chargers, and was replaced by former Saint and 12-year veteran Jared Cook. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor went to Houston; he had begun the 2020 season as the Chargers' starter, but lost that role to Justin Herbert following a Week 2 injury.
On defense, Melvin Ingram left after nine seasons with the Chargers, during which he had started 96 games as a linebacker or defensive lineman and earned three Pro Bowl selections. Ingram had given indications of being unsatisfied with his contract going into 2020, and struggled with injuries during that season. Los Angeles released cornerback Casey Hayward after five years, two Pro Bowls and 75 starts. Another defensive back, safety Rayshawn Jenkins, was allowed to leave as an unrestricted free agent after starting all but one game the previous two seasons.
The Chargers twice made changes at the placekicker position. Incumbent Michael Badgley, who had struggled in 2020, was cut after he lost a training camp battle with Tristan Vizcaino. Vizcaino, however, missed five extra points and a field goal in the first six games of the regular season, and was himself replaced with eight-year veteran Dustin Hopkins on October 26. Andre Roberts was another mid-season signing, brought in to boost the Chargers' kick return game. Roberts had made the last three Pro Bowls as a returner with New York and Buffalo.
Free agency
Unrestricted PositionPlayer2021 teamDate signedContractSJahleel AddaeIndianapolis ColtsOctober 26, 20211 year, $154,000CBMichael DavisLos Angeles ChargersMarch 17, 20213 years, $25.2 millionGDan FeeneyNew York JetsMarch 18, 20211 year, $1.5 millionTEVirgil GreenCRyan GroyTEHunter HenryNew England PatriotsMarch 17, 20213 years, $37.5 millionDEMelvin IngramPittsburgh SteelersJuly 20, 20211 year, $4 millionFSRayshawn JenkinsJacksonville JaguarsMarch 17, 20214 years, $35 millionGForrest LampBuffalo BillsApril 7, 20211 yearMLBDenzel PerrymanCarolina PanthersMarch 17, 20212 years, $6 millionDTDamion SquareCleveland BrownsMay 4, 20211 yearQBTyrod TaylorHouston TexansMarch 17, 20211 year, $5.5 millionOTSam TeviIndianapolis ColtsMarch 22, 20211 year, $1.5 millionOLBNick VigilMinnesota VikingsMarch 17, 20211 year, $1.35 millionSSJaylen Watkins
Restricted PositionPlayer2021 teamDate signedContractTEStephen AndersonLos Angeles ChargersMarch 22, 20211 year, $920 thousandKMichael BadgleyLos Angeles ChargersMarch 17, 20211 year, $920 thousandRBKalen BallagePittsburgh SteelersMarch 30, 20211 year, $920 thousandMLBB. J. BelloTennessee TitansApril 23, 20211 year, $850 thousandCBBrandon FacysonLos Angeles ChargersMarch 19, 20211 year, $920 thousandDEIsaac RochellIndianapolis ColtsMarch 19, 20211 year, $2.5 millionCCole TonerHouston TexansMarch 19, 20211 year, $920 thousand Badgley was cut on August 31, and spent the 2021 season with the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts.
Exclusive Rights FA PositionPlayer2021 teamDate signedContractCBTevaughn CampbellLos Angeles ChargersMarch 17, 20211 year, $850 thousandMLBCole ChristiansenLos Angeles ChargersSeptember 1, 20211 year, $610 thousandDEJoe GazianoLos Angeles ChargersSeptember 1, 20211 year, $780 thousandPTy LongLos Angeles ChargersMarch 17, 20211 year, $850 thousandTEMatt SokolJacksonville JaguarsSeptember 2, 20211 year, $165,600
Futures Shortly after the end of their 2020 season, the Chargers signed ten players on their practice squad to reserve/future free-agent contracts.
PositionPlayerDate signedGNate GilliamJanuary 5, 2021RBDarius BradwellJanuary 5, 2021DTT. J. SmithJanuary 5, 2021NTBreiden FehokoJanuary 5, 2021WRJason MooreJanuary 5, 2021CBJohn BrannonJanuary 5, 2021WRJohn HurstJanuary 5, 2021GRyan HunterJanuary 5, 2021CBDonte VaughnJanuary 5, 2021PLachlan EdwardsJanuary 5, 2021
Signings PositionPlayerPrevious teamDate signedContractKTristan VizcainoSan Francisco 49ersMarch 5, 20212 years, $1.485 millionCCorey LinsleyGreen Bay PackersMarch 17, 20215 years, $62.5 million GMatt FeilerPittsburgh SteelersMarch 17, 20213 years, $21 million TEJared CookNew Orleans SaintsMarch 18, 20211 year, $6 millionGOday AboushiDetroit LionsMarch 20, 20211 year, $1.75 millionOLBKyler FackrellNew York GiantsMarch 24, 20211 year, $1.5 millionQBChase DanielDetroit LionsMarch 26, 20211 year, $1.075 millionCBRyan SmithTampa Bay BuccaneersMarch 30, 20211 year, $1.75 millionCBKemon HallDallas Cowboys (PS)May 5, 20212 years, $1.485 millionDEChristian CovingtonCincinnati BengalsMay 10, 20211 year, $990kWRAustin ProehlSeattle Dragons (XFL)May 18, 20211 year, $660kLBDamon LloydBlues (TSL)June 18, 20211 year, $660kTEMatt SeybertConquerors (TSL)June 18, 20211 year, $660kWRMichael BandyConquerors (TSL)June 18, 20211 year, $660kDEWillie YarbaryConquerors (TSL)June 18, 20211 year, $660kQBK. J. CostelloMississippi StateAugust 1, 20213 years, $2.425 millionLSMatt OvertonTennessee TitansAugust 16, 20211 year, $990kSTrey MarshallDenver BroncosSeptember 1, 20211 year, $920kCBKiondre ThomasCleveland Browns (PS)September 6, 20211 year, $165,600WRMaurice FfrenchKansas City Chiefs (PS)September 15, 20211 year, $660kGMichael SchofieldBaltimore Ravens (PS)September 17, 20211 year, $1.075 millionGSenio KelemeteSan Francisco 49ers (PS)October 12, 20211 year, $1.075 millionDEAndrew BrownTennessee Titans (PS)October 14, 20211 year, $895kTFoster SarellNew York Giants (PS)October 14, 20211 year, $705kWR/KRAndre RobertsHouston TexansOctober 21, 20211 year, $1.075 millionKDustin HopkinsWashington Football TeamOctober 26, 20211 year, $1.075 millionDTCaraun ReidTennessee TitansNovember 17, 20211 year, $112kCBDavontae HarrisSan Francisco 49ersNovember 30, 20211 year, $920k
Retirements Center Mike Pouncey announced his retirement on February 12. Pouncey had spent the final three seasons of his ten-year career in Los Angeles; during the Chargers' playoff run in 2018, he had started every game and made the Pro Bowl. He picked up a neck injury five weeks into the following season, and a subsequent hip injury eventually proved to be career-ending. PositionPlayerDate retiredCMike PounceyFebruary 12, 2021
Releases/waivers PositionPlayer2021 teamDate released/waivedGTrai TurnerPittsburgh SteelersMarch 12, 2021LBMalik JeffersonIndianapolis ColtsCBCasey HaywardLas Vegas RaidersMarch 13, 2021
NFL draft
Los Angeles' 1st-round pick was the 13th overall in the draft. They were widely expected to complete their offensive line rebuild by taking an offensive tackle in the draft, with Rashawn Slater, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Christian Darrisaw all projected as potential picks. In the event, the Chargers picked Slater. He was the second offensive lineman taken in the draft, after Penei Sewell (selected 6th overall by Detroit). General manager Tom Telesco said of Slater, "He's very smart, knows football, been very well coached." Slater would start 16 games during his rookie season, missing one game due to a positive COVID-19 test. At season's end, he was voted to both the AFC Pro Bowl team and the All-Pro 2nd Team, as well as the PFWA All-Rookie team.