Former Ravens Players Join Chargers Under Coach Jim Harbaugh

Several former Baltimore Ravens players have signed with the Los Angeles Chargers for the 2024 NFL season, reuniting with their former coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh, who coached the Ravens from 2008 to 2014 before taking the head coaching job at the University of Michigan, was hired by the Chargers in January to replace Anthony Lynn.

Among the ex-Ravens joining Harbaugh in Los Angeles are linebacker C.J. Mosley, defensive end Calais Campbell, and wide receiver Willie Snead. Mosley, a four-time Pro Bowler who played under Harbaugh in Baltimore from 2014 to 2018, signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the Chargers after being released by the New York Jets. Campbell, who played for the Ravens in 2020 and 2021, inked a two-year, $12.5 million deal to bolster the Chargers' defensive line. Snead, a key contributor on the Ravens' offense from 2018 to 2020, agreed to a one-year contract to provide depth at receiver.

The influx of former Ravens players is seen as a move by Harbaugh to bring in veterans familiar with his coaching style and system. "Coach Harbaugh is a great motivator and knows how to get the best out of his players," Mosley said in a press conference introducing the new signings. "I'm excited to play for him again and help the Chargers win a championship."

The Chargers are coming off a disappointing 7-9 season in 2023 but have a talented young core led by quarterback Justin Herbert and defensive end Joey Bosa. The addition of proven veterans like Mosley, Campbell, and Snead could help the team take the next step and compete for a playoff spot in the tough AFC West division.

Why this matters: The reunion of Jim Harbaugh with several of his former Ravens players on the Chargers has the potential to significantly impact the balance of power in the AFC. If Harbaugh can quickly implement his system and get the most out of his new veteran additions, the Chargers could emerge as a dark horse contender in the conference.

The signings also reflect a growing trend of players following coaches they have previously played for to new teams in free agency. "There's a level of trust and familiarity that comes with playing for a coach you know," Campbell explained. "It can make the transition to a new team a lot smoother." With the 2024 NFL season still several months away, the Chargers will look to build chemistry and continuity in the offseason as they aim to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Key Takeaways

• Several former Ravens players signed with the Chargers, reuniting with coach Jim Harbaugh.
• Key signings include LB C.J. Mosley, DE Calais Campbell, and WR Willie Snead.
• Harbaugh aims to bring in veterans familiar with his coaching style and system.
• The Chargers hope the veteran additions will help them compete in the tough AFC West.
• The trend of players following coaches to new teams reflects trust and familiarity.