Here’s what the Chargers have been up to the past week. The biggest headline is their new defensive cornerstone, first-round pick Akheem Mesidor officially signed his rookie contract. The contract includes $20.46 million, which is fully guaranteed. After being selected out of Miami, Mesidor has drawn comparisons to some of the best young edge rushers in the game. His arrival is expected to bolster the Chargers pass rush significantly and immediately. The Chargers brass sees him as a key piece of their defense in the future, and if early reports from OTAs are any indication, he’s already making an impact.
The Chargers left guard battle has quickly become one of the most watched competitions in 2026 camp, especially with the interior offensive line already featuring established starters at center and right guard. Early OTAs and pre-camp work have turned it into a 2-man race between Kayode Awosika and second-round rookie Jake Slaughter. Awosika has been getting the first crack with the starters thanks to his NFL experience, but Slaughter is steadily rotating in as the staff works him through a transition from center to guard. Coaches like Butch Barry have emphasized constant rotation and evaluation, meaning the job is still wide open heading into the more physical stages of camp. Where pads will ultimately decide who takes control of that starting spot.
Mike McDaniel is already deep into installing his system with the offense during early June workouts. The biggest early focus has been on getting Justin Herbert comfortable in the structure of the offense before training camp really ramps up. From what’s been seen in OTAs/minicamp work, it’s a lot of footwork corrections, quicker drop timing, and tightening up his base so everything ties into McDaniel’s rhythm-based passing scheme. Herbert’s been spending extra reps adjusting how he sets his feet on timing routes and play-action looks, especially when the pocket changes. It’s still early, but the tone of camp so far feels like they’re building the foundation first.
In the midst of all the developments, some other updates are making waves as well. Cornerback Tarheeb Still switched his number to 4, which was his number at the University of Maryland. Right Guard Cole Strange has impressed early on in camp. Lastly, Omarion Hampton is back at practice, whereas Ladd McConkey has missed several days.
