PHOENIX — The final image from the Chargers’ first-round playoff exit was one that became too familiar in 2025: Quarterback Justin Herbert scrambling for his life, trying to extend a play before absorbing another brutal hit from a free-running pass rusher.
The Chargers have made three free-agent signings along the offensive line this offseason to try to address Herbert’s protection. They also have had holes to fill after the retirement of center Bradley Bozeman, the release of guard Mekhi Becton and the departure of guard Zion Johnson via free agency.
Speaking at the league meetings Tuesday morning at the Arizona Biltmore, head coach Jim Harbaugh said he feels the team has improved at the position, but is not done remaking the room.
“Feel really good,” Harbaugh said before adding, “And more to come. Free agency still continues and the draft coming soon.”
The headline acquisition was the signing of Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz. A former fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin, the 28-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Commanders after starting his career with the Cowboys.
Harbaugh said Biadasz’s performance on tape was the first thing that jumped out to him. But since getting Biadasz in the building, the center’s knowledge and level of communication have been evident.
“He’s going to be like a coach on the field,” Harbaugh said. “I mean, once you get a load of him and what he knows about football and the way he can articulate. That experience though is right on the money. I mean, he thinks like a coach but plays like a really good player.”
The Chargers also signed veteran Cole Strange, whom Harbaugh said he expects will start at right guard. Strange spent the 2025 season in Miami with new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Harbaugh said that as he watched Dolphins film with McDaniel this offseason to study his offense, Strange made an impression.
“You could see Cole Strange was really good at all the things that we’re going to be implementing,” Harbaugh said. “So not only just another guy that can be a coach for the other players and a really good player.”
The hope is the Chargers’ offensive line will also improve via a healthier 2026 season. Harbaugh said starting tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are recovering well from their respective season-ending injuries.
Slater, in particular, has shown progress during his rehab at the Chargers’ El Segundo practice facility.
“Some of the goals he set when he first got injured to where he wanted to be right now, I mean, he’s above those,” Harbaugh said. “And I saw him running-running, looking out the window, saw that and that warmed my heart. It’s good to see.”
Learning from McDaniel
As he’s gotten to know McDaniel more and get into the weeds of his offense, Harbaugh said it’s started to change how he’s thinking about the game.
“They made the analogy about making a better candle. You don’t make a better candle, make a light bulb, you know? And that analogy makes sense to me,” Harbaugh said. “When I think of the many meetings that we’ve had and Mike talking about offensive football.”
The way that McDaniel communicates his vision for the offense has excited Harbaugh, using concise language to explain the finer details through a “thought-out” teaching progression. The head coach said it’s made him excited to learn more from the former Dolphins head coach, both about the offense and how he reads defenses from identifying coverages to blitz patterns.
Harbaugh is also excited to see how he takes advantage of Herbert’s skill set.
“It is what I really thought it was, just a perfect combination of Mike McDaniel and Justin Herbert,” Harbaugh said. “Mike sees it the way from the film the way I do like, ‘Oh God, Justin could do that. What?’ … Better than any of us have seen it done. He sees it and that’s going to bode really well for the Chargers.”