As the offseason approaches, Los Angeles faces a clear question: can this core of defenders be retained? The Chargers’ pass defense was especially stingy, allowing just 179.9 passing yards per game (fifth-lowest) and tallying 19 interceptions (tied for third-most) during the season.
Among the “under the radar” players, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste drew significant attention after a standout year. On a one-year, $2.5 million deal, he ranked as PFF’s No. 11 cornerback and allowed only 243 passing yards in his Chargers tenure, a sharp contrast to nearly 1,500 yards allowed over his previous two seasons with Washington.
St-Juste’s strong performance comes with a broader team context: Los Angeles has about $83.5 million in cap space, providing flexibility to lock in its top defensive pieces. His value to the unit is underscored by the Chargers’ improved safety net in coverage and the potential return on a modest investment.
There is also a coaching transition to consider. Chris O’Leary has been hired as the Chargers’ new defensive coordinator, after former DC Jesse Minter left to become Baltimore’s head coach. While St-Juste’s best work came under Minter’s play-calling, the new scheme could impact his fit and the Chargers’ overall plan.
Ultimately, the Chargers appear intent on keeping their defensive core intact, with St-Juste as a primary target for a longer-term deal. If Los Angeles can reconcile the system change with his development trajectory and leverage its cap space, retaining the Canadian cornerback should be a priority as they chart the 2026 defense.
