Cole Strange
Getty
The Chargers add Cole Strange to the squad on a two-year deal
The Los Angeles Chargers are starting to make moves in free agency after being quiet.
The Bolts’ offensive line was one of the worst in the league in the 2025 season and has become a key point of address in the offseason.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reveals LA has signed guard Cole Strange to a two-year, $13 million.
Strange, who was the 29th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, last played for the Miami Dolphins. As Schefter mentioned, the O-lineman will reunite with his former head coach, Mike McDanie, who is now the offensive coordinator of the Chargers.
Adding Strange will, as of now, replace Mehki Becton at the right guard position — Becton was released before the start of free agency and saved the team $9.7 million.
The newest member of the Chargers’ offensive line played 44 games in his career, starting 43 games. Cole Strange had a 42.2 pass grade and a 57 run block grade from Pro Football Focus last season.
Additions to the Offensive Front
Tyler Biadasz
GettyThe Chargers are focusing on revamping the interior offensive line
One of the more notable additions to the Los Angeles Chargers happened before the start of the legal tampering period.
The Bolts signed former Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal.
Biadasz will become the starting center, replacing Bradley Bozeman, who retired in the offseason. Bozeman, who was with the Bolts the last two seasons, was graded the worst center in the 2025 season by Pro Football Focus.
While adding starting players, depth at the offensive line is also an issue, as the Bolts only had two players returning from the 2025 season — and both were on the injured reserve.
Los Angeles agreed to a one-year deal with Trevor Penning, who featured in 7 games for the Bolts, starting 3 of them, after being acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Saints.
LA will still have one of the most cap spaces available after the recent additions in free agency.
Losing Offensive Line Starter
Zion Johnson
GettyWhile adding members to the offensive line, the Bolts lose a key starter
The offensive line was an issue for the Los Angeles Chargers; Zion Johnson was one small bright spot.
But after the start of free agency, Johnson inked a three-year, $49.5 million deal with the Cleveland Browns.
Now, the Chargers will need to figure out who will be at the left guard position in Jim Harbaugh’s third season.
“Obviously, we need to add to the offensive line,” Hortiz said, via the Chargers. “We’re frankly thin in terms of numbers there right now. That is the plan, that is the goal, comfortable with what’s out there in the draft and free agency.”
“We’re going to focus, it won’t be the only focus, but certainly not going to ignore the offensive line… We’re going to keep adding to it and see what we can come up with.”