The Los Angeles Chargers wrapped up a successful first season under Jim Harbaugh, finishing 11-7 and making the playoffs. While their Wild Card exit was disappointing, several standout performances defined their season.
From MVP selections to breakout stars, here’s a look at the Chargers’ top performers of 2024.
🏆 Most Valuable Player: S Derwin James
Derwin James returned to elite form in 2024 under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, proving to be the heart of the Chargers’ defense.
📌 Career-high 5.5 sacks
📌 Game-winning interception in Week 13 vs. Falcons
📌 Key player in Chargers’ No. 1 scoring defense
His versatility allowed him to dominate in the slot, helping Los Angeles field one of the NFL’s toughest defenses. As the team’s only All-Pro selection (second team as a slot corner), James was a game-changer all season.
🔥 Offensive Player of the Year: RB J.K. Dobbins
The Chargers’ run-heavy offense thrived when J.K. Dobbins was on the field.
✔️ LA’s most dynamic offensive weapon
✔️ Nearly hit 1,000 yards despite missing 4 games
✔️ First Chargers RB since Melvin Gordon to push for the milestone
When Dobbins was out, the offense struggled, proving his importance to LA’s ground game. If he stays healthy, the Chargers could have a dominant rushing attack in 2025.
💪 Defensive Player of the Year: DL Poona Ford
A bargain signing turned into a defensive powerhouse. Poona Ford, brought in as a depth piece, had the best season of his career.
📊 Top interior run defender in years for LA
📊 3 sacks, 25 pressures
📊 Helped free up Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Tuli Tuipulotu
Ford’s disruptive presence played a massive role in LA’s defensive success, proving to be one of the best signings of the offseason.
🎯 Special Teams Player of the Year: K Cameron Dicker
The Chargers’ kicking woes? Gone.
Cameron Dicker had an historic season, proving to be one of the most reliable kickers in the NFL.
✔️ 150 points (2nd-most in Chargers history)
✔️ 39 field goals (3rd-most in the NFL)
✔️ 92.9% accuracy (7th-best in the league)
✔️ 59-yard fair catch free kick – longest in NFL history
For a team that struggled with kicking consistency for years, Dicker’s emergence as an elite special teams weapon is a game-changer.
🌟 Rookie of the Year: WR Ladd McConkey
In just his first NFL season, Ladd McConkey made history and set the foundation for an exciting career.
🔥 82 receptions, 1,149 yards, 7 TDs
🔥 Broke Chargers rookie records for receptions & yards
🔥 Became Justin Herbert’s top target
With uncertainty at wide receiver, McConkey stepped up as the team’s most reliable playmaker. His instant impact gives LA a true No. 1 receiver for the future.
🚀 Breakout Player of the Year: LB Daiyan Henley
After a quiet rookie season, Daiyan Henley exploded into a star in Year 2.
📈 Led the Chargers with 147 tackles
📈 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 8 pass deflections
📈 9 incompletions forced – best among NFL linebackers
Henley thrived in Minter’s defensive scheme, stepping up when Denzel Perryman was injured. He nearly earned All-Pro honors, finishing just 21 votes short of a second-team selection.
🔮 What’s Next for the Chargers?
Despite a Wild Card exit, the Chargers’ future looks bright. With stars emerging on both sides of the ball, LA has the foundation for a deep playoff run in 2025.
What do you think? Who was the Chargers’ most valuable player in 2024? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️🔥
