The 2025 NFL Draft answered a ton of questions fans had entering the final full week of April. The Los Angeles Chargers made one of the more interesting picks, selecting North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round.
Hampton has the potential to be an impact back in the NFL. He could provide another gear to a Chargers offense on the rise. Before he makes his debut, though, let’s take a look at the details of his rookie contract.
Contract Details for Chargers’ Omarion Hampton
The Chargers selected Hampton with the 22nd overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. As a result, he is set to make an awe-inspiring amount of money on his first deal. Hampton is projected to sign a four-year contract worth a total of $17.7 million, according to Spotrac.
His rookie deal is a bit different from the rest of the team’s draft class. Hampton is the only first-round pick the team made in this draft. As a result, the former North Carolina star has a fifth-year option included in his deal. The valuation of this fifth-year option is based on his performance over his first four seasons in the NFL.
Hampton has a chance to make his mark in this league and could do so right away. He slots in near the top of the Chargers depth chart even after the team signed veteran Najee Harris in free agency.
“Having amassed 3,164 yards and 30 touchdowns over the past two seasons, Hampton has the tools to be an impact starter as a volume back in the NFL. At 6’0″, 221 pounds, his size and physicality stand out as separating traits, but he brings even more to the table,” PFSN’s Ian Cummings wrote in a scouting report of the former North Carolina star before the draft.
“Hampton’s speed and burst, when he’s able to find a hole, is borderline special for his size, and he has the vision and spatial awareness to tempo his runs and create second-level windows with his footwork. Additionally, while he’s not as productive as others in the receiving phase, he undoubtedly has enough in his tool box to take short passes for RAC.”
Hampton has the tools to afford him a bright future in the NFL, and the run-oriented Chargers are excited to see him get going. If he develops as expected over the early years of his career, he could turn into the type of workhorse lead back that head coach Jim Harbaugh covets and likes to build offenses around.
In his return to the NFL in 2024, Harbaugh oversaw a Chargers team that ran the ball on 45.5% of their offensive plays via a backfield which then consisted of the JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards, who both departed this offseason.
Chiefs-Chargers Week 1 Preview
The division rivalry between the Chiefs and Chargers should be a treat for the São Paulo audience, as the teams have routinely produced competitive games in recent years.
For both teams, it starts at quarterback. Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes remains one of the league’s best, having already won three Super Bowls before turning 30.
Meanwhile, Justin Herbert has the stats to rank among the game’s top passers but has yet to win a playoff game in his five-year career. He’ll be looking to change that narrative this season, starting with a statement against the Chiefs.
Kansas City’s passing attack will look similar to last season, with wideouts Xavier Worthy and JuJu Smith-Schuster complementing All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. Their top receiver, Rashee Rice, is out against the Chargers while serving a suspension.
Los Angeles’ receiving corps isn’t much better, though second-year receiver Ladd McConkey is back after an impressive rookie season in which he caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. He’ll be Herbert’s No. 1 target.
Per our metrics, the Chargers will have an upper hand defensively. Coordinator Jesse Minter leads a unit that flies to the ball, anchored by pass rusher Khalil Mack and safety Derwin James.
The Chiefs’ defense graded out at a C last season but will look to improve behind defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback Trent McDuffie. Both are among the best at their positions but need help from a young, unproven supporting cast.
As for the outcome, the Chiefs simply have the Chargers’ number. Los Angeles usually puts up a fight but falls short in the end. That shouldn’t change, even in Week 1 on South American soil.
Prediction:Â Chiefs 24, Chargers 20
