Los Angeles Chargers Breakout Candidate Identified in NFL Preview

Joey HickeySun, Jul 12, 2026·2 min read

It's a "put up or shut up" kind of offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers as the team enters a huge season in 2026. The Chargers have the team to compete in the postseason. Now, they need to live up to that expectation.

To take another step, the team will need a handful of players to elevate their game past the level they brought in the campaign prior. The Chargers fell to the New England Patriots in a premature exit from the NFL playoffs last season.

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Defense was not the issue for Los Angeles last year, but one player on the unit is seeing breakout buzz for the 2026 season. It could end up being a difference maker if he is able to realize that potential.

ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak looked for a breakout candidate for all NFL teams for the upcoming season. Solak landed on a defensive player with his Chargers selection.

Solak contends that defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell is primed for a breakout season in 2026. Here's what he had to say about Caldwell's big season ahead.

"As a third-round rookie, Caldwell almost led the Chargers in snaps along the interior. He had 525 to Teair Tart's 526. Caldwell is a particularly exciting part of a deep defensive tackle rotation because he is capable of playing both over the center and over the guard, which gives him good synergy with Tart, who is similarly versatile.

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The Chargers added Dalvin Tomlinson, a quintessential run-stuffing nose tackle, in free agency. It's easy to infer they'll give Caldwell a few more pass-rush opportunities besides Tomlinson, and he has the requisite quickness and flexibility to be a quick penetration player who creates cleanup opportunities for other rushers."

The Chargers don't need flashiness to get past their current ceiling. The Bolts have had the flashy playmaking the last couple of seasons. Los Angeles needs reliable, consistent play across the board that can be counted on in big moments. Solak contends Caldwell could bring that for the team this year.

Marginal improvement can only take a team so far, but if multiple players can make that leap, it's hard to say the Chargers can't do what the Patriots just did a season ago.

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New England went from last place in their division to AFC champions last year. The Chargers won't have to make as big a leap to get to an AFC title game but certainly have the talent and coaching to do so.

Jamaree Caldwell may not be a household name in the NFL, but he has the chance to become one. He will look to do just that as the Chargers push to get better in 2026.