Spencer Burford
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Spencer Burford
With the Los Angeles Chargers already bringing in a center, the questions along the offensive line turn to one of its most puzzling pieces: what to do at guard. With Zion Johnson off to Cleveland and the Chargers’ decision to re-sign Trey Pipkins III, they have left themselves with many questions to answer in the search for a new one. However, they seem to be approaching a solution as they have scheduled a visit with somewhat of a surprise option at the position.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chargers have scheduled a visit with 49ers guard Spencer Burford. Infamously known for not necessarily being the stalwart guard the 49ers have made him out to be, he could emerge as perhaps a cheap solution to one of their biggest roster problems.
A Struggling Starter Looking for a Reset
Last season, Burford continued to struggle despite battling through a knee injury. He earned his worst ever pass blocking efficiency grade of his career, while also ranking abysmally in both pass and run blocking as well. He gave up two sacks and 31 pressures, not numbers that would wholly reassure Chargers fans of his ability to protect Justin Herbert.
Unlike potentially elite options such as the Browns‘ Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio, Burford feels like much more of a last resort. Still, the Chargers could be seeing something different from what Burford has shown fans throughout the years.
Familiarity and Depth Could Drive the Move
One factor that could be important for the Chargers is his familiarity with Mike McDaniel. He has played in the 49ers’ offense for four seasons, so he got to experience Mike McDaniel as a play caller. Potentially reuniting with him could help him more seamlessly integrate into a familiar schematic fit.
Still, with other options out there, perhaps Burford truly is another depth option that the Chargers feel like they could rely upon. After all, after releasing Mekhi Becton and losing Bradley Bozeman, they don’t really have that much depth beyond their already established tackles in Alt and Slater and new center Tyler Biadasz.
As of right now, they are rolling into next season with Cole Strange, Ben Cleveland, and Trevor Penning as their guard options, none of which can be relied upon as a true starter. Burford, while also not being a definitive answer, can at the very least slot into that rotation.
The most intriguing reason of all could be that the Chargers are planning on drafting someone like Vega Ioane and might want a guard room full of experience that can help him transition into the NFL with the proper mentors to guide him. It might be the most risky choice, but due to the Chargers’ quiet approach, it could be the most plausible.
While Chargers fans may be unhappy about who they are looking at to fill the guard role, they should at least be thrilled that it remains a key focus of the Chargers’ offseason approach. This could all be a part of a bigger plan as well.