Utah OL Spencer Fano
Getty
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 29: Spencer Fano #55 of the Utah Utes reacts after a touchdown by Landen King #82 in the second half of a game against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers have made several free agent acquisitions this week.
They kicked things off by signing Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million contract to lock down the starting center position. The Chargers addressed another offensive line need by giving guard Cole Strange a two-year, $13 million deal.
Other free agents Los Angeles has brought in include fullback Alec Ingold (two years, $7.5 million), tight end Charlie Kolar (three-years, $24.3 million), and running back Keaton Mitchell (two years, $9.25 million). Although the Chargers aren’t likely finished adding impact pieces, they have already set themselves up nicely for the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
Los Angeles Chargers Named ‘Perfect Fit’ for Draft Prospect OL Spencer Fano
Spencer Fano, Los Angeles Rams
GettySpencer Fano #55 of the Utah Utes lines up against the UCLA Bruins.
The folks over at Pro Football Focus recently named five draft prospects that have become perfect fits for certain NFL teams following the first wave of free agency. Here is why they chose Fano for the Chargers:
“The guard positions carry far more ambiguity for Los Angeles. Trevor Penning was brought back on a cheap one-year deal. Former Dolphin Cole Strange followed new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel over from Miami. Trey Pipkins III also offers experience at guard, though he profiles as more of a swing option. In short, the Chargers still need guards they can feel confident in starting 17 games.
One intriguing draft option is Utah’s Spencer Fano. While he never played a snap at guard in college, his lack of length has scouts speculating that he could move from tackle to the inside in the NFL. His athleticism and quickness are his strengths, and he turned in an excellent combine performance. Fano earned an outstanding 86.4 PFF run-blocking grade in outside-zone concepts over the past two seasons, which also makes him a great fit in McDaniel’s offense.”
It would be ideal for the Chargers to find a starting guard in the draft rather than free agency due to age and cheap control for four to five years. Fano’ athletic traits should enable him to make the transition from tackle to guard without too many growing pains. He was a three-year starter at Utah, and was named a Unanimous All-American in 2025, while also winning the Outland Trophy (nation’s best interior offensive lineman).
Examining the Chargers’ Top Remaining Roster Needs
If Los Angeles doesn’t plan to use a high draft pick on a guard, it will need to find one who will at least push Pipkins for the starting job. Shoring up the offensive line was by far the top priority for the Chargers entering the offseason, and they need to see it through.
They also must find an adequate passing rusher replacement for Odafe Oweh, who is now with the Washington Commanders. It’s not likely that Los Angeles will find someone the caliber of Oweh, but as long as it brings in someone who can provide a consistent pass rush on a rotational basis, that will be fine.
The Chargers could also use another quality pass catcher, whether its at wide receiver or tight end. They could wait until the draft to address that, but some notable free agent options include Deebo Samuel, Stefon Diggs, Jauan Jennings, and team legend Keenan Allen. A reunion between new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and Tyreek Hill could also be an option depending on how far along Hill is in his recovery from the severe knee injury he sustained back in September.