NFL free agency targets for Chargers playing in Super Bowl 59

Here are some pending free agents the Chargers could target from Chiefs and Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.

The biggest game of the year is here, as the Philadelphia Eagles are set to clash with the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59.

While many around the world are gathering around to watch the contest for entertainment purposes, teams across the league are using this as a part of their evaluation process for the offseason.

For the Chargers, they are primed to be aggressive this free agency as they are projected to have over $60 million in salary cap space.

With that, here are a few players that Chargers fans should have their eyes on.

Chiefs

  • OL Trey Smith
  • EDGE Charles Omenihu
  • DT Derrick Nnadi
  • WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
  • WR Justin Watson
  • EDGE Joshua Uche

Eagles

  • OL Mekhi Becton
  • EDGE Josh Sweat
  • DT Milton Williams
  • RB Kenneth Gainwell

Howie Roseman explains why Eagles haven’t extended Zack Baun, other key free agents

Eagles GM Howie Roseman could be looking to stack up on compensatory picks after he explained why the Eagles didn’t hand out contract extensions to key 2025 free agents like Zack Baun, Josh Sweat and others

The Eagles have 19 pending free agents, and with some big names looking to cash in, the Philadelphia defense could look quite different in 2024.

During his Super Bowl opening-night press conference, the Eagles GM provided insight into his thinking, explaining to Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia why he didn’t extend contracts to several key free agents.

“Once you start doing that, it’s almost like, are you picking favorites?” Roseman said. “And the other guys start saying, ‘What about me?’ And they start playing for themselves as opposed to the team.

“Now, we’ve seen that probably costs you money in the long run as you’re doing it. But when you have an opportunity to compete for a championship, it’s worth that sacrifice I think.”

Philadelphia has several critical free agents who probably want to return to the Eagles but could land massive paydays on the open market. Zack Baun, Mekhi Becton, Milton Williams, Josh Sweat, Isaiah Rodgers, and Kenneth Gainwell could land lucrative deals when the new league year begins.

Roseman admitted that he watches Baun and Becton’s price tag grow daily but sacrificed potential long-term deals for a Super Bowl run without distractions.

“I’ll do anything for a championship,” Roseman said. “So if that’s the trade-off and maybe we lose a player, I won’t like that, but I’ll take it.”

The six free agents listed above will all have major suitors on the open market, but if those players depart, the Eagles can land upwards of four compensatory picks.

Eagles have three players make the list of ESPN’s top 50 NFL free agents in 2025

Eagles have three players make the list of ESPN’s top 50 NFL free agents in 2025

The Eagles reached Super Bowl LIX, and even with the excitement of reaching the big game, all eyes are on the new league year and the start of NFL free agency.

ESPN just revealed its top 50 players list for 2025, and Philadelphia has three of their 18 pending free agents on the list.

9. Josh Sweat, Edge
2024 team: Philadelphia Eagles | Age entering 2025 season: 28

A productive rusher in Vic Fangio’s front in Philadelphia, Sweat had eight sacks and 33 pressures this season. He’s a long, angular mover who can win with speed-to-power, and he has built-in counters to disengage from offensive tackles. Given his age, positional value and the ability to hit the quarterback, Sweat makes our top 10.

Fowler’s latest: Sweat will enter free agency with the flexibility to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. He has ties to Arizona, where his former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is running the show. Washington, New England, Tampa Bay and Tennessee could be on the radar, too.

12. Zack Baun, LB
2024 team: Philadelphia Eagles | Age entering 2025 season: 28

Baun had a breakout season in Philadelphia under Fangio, recording 150 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles and 1 interception. He is a versatile off-ball linebacker with three-down ability, and he can set an edge due to his physical style. Baun should cash in after signing a one-year deal with the Eagles last offseason.

16. Milton Williams, DT
2024 team: Philadelphia Eagles | Age entering 2025 season: 26

Williams has the strength to displace blockers at the point of attack, with the light feet and short-area burst to slip interior offensive linemen as a pass rusher. He had five sacks and 18 pressures in 2024 with the Eagles. The arrow is pointing up.

30. Mekhi Becton, G
2024 team: Philadelphia Eagles | Age entering 2025 season: 26

The 2020 first-round offensive tackle bumped inside to guard this season after signing a one-year contract with the Eagles. He uses his massive 6-7, 363-pound frame to overwhelm and move defenders in the run game. He has the physical tools and footwork to also win as a pass protector, though. Just entering his prime years, Becton should see interest as a guard or tackle.

Williams and Becton are key figures in the trenches and should be Howie Roseman’s biggest priority. Meanwhile, Zack Baun will have to decide whether to chase a massive payday or remain entrenched in Vic Fangio’s scheme, which provided the platform for an All-Pro season.

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Eagles dominated every facet of the game and won the turnover battle while dominating the Commanders to advance to Super Bowl 59. Philadelphia rushed for seven touchdowns, including three scores each for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, blowing out their NFC East rival 55-23 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

As preparations begin for the trip to New Orleans, we’re reviewing the top photos from the historic victory.

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Highlights from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Washington Commanders have a young, ascending roster, and that youth showed in the first half. Costly penalties and crucial turnovers spurred the Eagles early on, giving them a 27-15 lead in the NFC Championship game.

Saquon Barkley’s two first-half touchdowns energized the Birds, and Jalen Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a four-yard touchdown with 57 seconds left in the first half. We’re looking at the first-half highlights with the second half set to begin.

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Eagles to host Commanders in NFC Championship game after 28-22 win over Rams

Eagles to host Commanders in NFC Championship game after 28-22 win over Rams in the NFC Divisional Round

The Eagles are headed to the NFC title game and host their division rival, the Washington Commanders. After holding on for a 28-22 win over the Rams in the NFC divisional round, the Eagles will play the Washington Commanders.

In what can only be described as a barn burner, Philadelphia looked like they put the game away after going up 28-15, but the Rams scored a late fourth-quarter touchdown to pull within seven. After the Eagles could not maximize their final offensive drive, the Rams had one final shot on a ten-play, 60-yard drive that fell short with an incomplete pass to Puka Nucau at the Philadelphia 22-yard line.

The No. 2 seed Eagles will host the No. 6 seed Washington Commanders (12-5), who defeated the No. 1 seed Detroit Lions (15-2) 45-31 at Ford Field on Saturday night.

Washington’s 45 points were the most in a playoff game in franchise history.

Detroit quarterback Jared Goff threw three interceptions and was uneven all night. He went 23-40 passing for 313 yards (7.8 avg), one touchdown, and a 59.7 quarterback rating. The Lions’ running game was dynamic but underused, as Jahmyr Gibbs had 14 carries for 105 yards (7.5 avg) and two rushing touchdowns.

NFL Playoff picks: Unlock exclusive data-driven predictions

For Washington, Offensive Rookie of the Year favorite and Pro Bowler, Jayden Daniels was 22-31 passing for 299 yards (9.6 avg), two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a 122.9 quarterback rating.

In an offensive shootout, the two teams combined for over 1,000 yards of offense and 57 first downs.

Philadelphia and Washington split the season series, with the Commanders pulling off a 36-33 home win in Week 16 after Jalen Hurts was ruled out with a concussion.

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles holds a 13-10 lead over Rams in divisional round

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles holds a 13-10 lead over Rams in divisional round

The weather came as expected, but there were plenty of big plays in the first half as the Eagles hold a 13-10 lead over the Rams at home in the divisional round game on Sunday. A Philadelphia win and Nick Sirianni would host the Washington Commanders in the NFC title game next week. The Eagles lost rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in the first half with a shoulder injury, and Isaiah Rodgers matched up with Rams wide receivers on the outside, which will be something to watch. With the second half quickly approaching, here sights and sounds from the first 30 minutes. ***

Eagles vs. Rams: Pregame sights and sounds from NFC Divisional Round game

We’re looking at pregame sights and sounds from the Philadelphia Eagles matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round

We’re now minutes away from the Eagles, and Rams kicking off their divisional-round matchup at Lincoln Financial Field.

Philadelphia is look to reach 7-0 in the Divisional Round at home in their franchise history and advance to another NFC Championship Game. With kickoff moments away, here are the pregame sights and sounds from a gigantic matchup.

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Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles holds a 10-0 lead over the Packers

Jalen Hurts fought off rust and an intense Packers pass rush to make plays when needed as the Eagles jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first half. Vic Fangio’s defense did a good job of confusing Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love, forcing two …

Jalen Hurts fought off rust and an intense Packers pass rush to make plays when needed as the Eagles jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first half. Vic Fangio’s defense did a good job of confusing Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love, forcing two interceptions.

Philadelphia lost linebacker Nakobe Dean to a knee injury and will look to finish drives and capitalize on Packers turnovers.

With the second half underway, here are seven takeaways from the first half.

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Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 24-7 lead over the Cowboys

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 24-7 lead over the Cowboys

It was another disastrous first quarter, but the Eagles’ defense found their footing, and Kenny Pickett discovered a connection with DeVonta Smith. Buoyed by two C.J. Gardner-Johnson interceptions, Philadelphia found their rhythm and held a 24-7 lead over the Cowboys in the first half.

An Eagles win Locks up the NFC East and the No. 2 seed in the conference while allowing Jalen Hurts another week to recover from his concussion.

With the second half set to begin, here are ten takeaways from the first half.

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