Last season, the Chargers leaned on a running back committee that produced 2,067 rushing yards as a group, plus (from quarterback Justin Herbert) in the mix, but injuries disrupted the plans for a high-profile 1-2 punch. Omarion Hampton fractured his ankle in Week 5, sidelining him for months, while Najee Harris suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 3. Hampton is expected to be healthy for 2026, and Harris remains a free agent after signing a one-year deal.
Achane, a former McDaniel draft pick, emerged as a standout in 2025, leading the league with 5.7 yards per carry and totaling 1,838 scrimmage yards. A move to Los Angeles would leverage McDaniel’s familiarity with Achane and give the Chargers a two-dimensional backfield presence alongside Hampton.
Supporters of the fit argue that Achane and Hampton would provide a balanced blend of speed and power, pairing well with Justin Herbert and continuing McDaniel’s track record of maximizing Achane’s skill set. If the Chargers were to land Achane, he could help stabilize the backfield after the injuries of the past season.
Trade discussions have speculated that Los Angeles might part with Quentin Johnston, a second-round pick, and an early Day 3 selection to acquire Achane, reshaping the roster around a dynamic duo in the backfield. However, the team also has viable internal alternatives.
Kimani Vidal emerged as a zealous option when Hampton and Harris went down, finishing with 643 rushing yards and 3 rushing TDs, plus 136 receiving yards. The Chargers placed an exclusive rights tender on Vidal, keeping him in the fold for another year and presenting a potential alternative path to a productive backfield without pursuing Achane.
