The Los Angeles Chargers had a plethora of problems to address during the offseason, one of the biggest being the interior offensive line.
Now, it's not as if the Bolts ignored the issue completely, as they went out and signed Mekhi Becton to a two-year, $10 million deal. Taken 11th overall by the New York Jets in 2020, Becton fizzled out at tackle during his tenure with Gang Green but switched to guard last season with the Philadelphia Eagles and had one of the best seasons of his career, ranking 21st among every NFL guard with a 75.3 overall PFF grade.
So, that was a significant signing, for sure.
That said, however, while there are still a few free-agent options available, the Chargers seem content to roll into training camp with the duo of Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson, both of whom had dismal 2024 campaigns, ranking 160th and 165th, respectively, in run block win rate.
There is a big change coming, however, as the two are set to switch spots, with Bozeman moving from center to guard and Johnson from guard to center.
And Chargers analyst Daniel Popper of The Athletic seems to think Jim Harbaugh will see how that transition plays out before deciding whether to bring in additional help, although he did throw out an intriguing name in that same assessment.
Brandon Scherff may be an option to replace either Bradley Bozeman or Zion Johnson
As part of a "Chargers mailbag" piece, Popper was asked his thoughts on the Bolts possibly still adding pieces as the season gets closer, just as they did with Elijah Molden last year, and this was his initial response:
"General manager Joe Hortiz views roster building as a 365-day process, and I do not think that approach will change as long as he is in this role. As such, I think the Chargers will be monitoring markets throughout camp — and especially toward cutdown day when potential value-add options become available via trade or the waiver wire."
After going through some of the other additions the Chargers made last year during camp, he addressed the interior offensive line specifically.
"I think the Chargers will see how the players on the roster perform before making any moves this year. If Zion Johnson makes a smooth transition to center, and Bradley Bozeman looks comfortable at left guard, then it might not be necessary for the Chargers to make a move on the interior offensive line.
"If the opposite happens, the Chargers could be forced to look into the trade or free agent markets to find another interior piece — perhaps veteran guard Brandon Scherff. Wait for the pads to come on, and then make an evaluation."
Scherff would undoubtedly be an upgrade over either at this point. Sure, the five-time Pro Bowler is getting a little older and will turn 34 this December. But he's still a solid option and would improve the Chargers' interior the moment he steps on the field.
His run blocking was admittedly a little shaky last year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he ranked 19th among all guards as a pass blocker, earning a 74.5 PFF grade in that regard. One would think Justin Herbert won't mind having a little extra protection.
Scherff is also an option Los Angeles can seemingly afford, as Spotrac lists his current market value at roughly $6.7 million. The Chargers have more than $27 million in cap space heading into training camp, so this is a move they can make.
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