Charger Report

Chargers Worst-Case Scenario Around Justin Herbert Should Terrify Fans

The Chargers need to prioritize this in the offseason.
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The Los Angeles Chargers had a clear issue during the 2025 season: the offensive line. Bad luck hit them before the regular season even began, when Rashawn Slater went down with a torn patellar tendon. Joe Alt then appeared in six games before a season-ending ankle injury.

With their bookend tackles gone, it made things for the Chargers' offense extremely difficult. It wasn't even just that, as the interior didn't help whatsoever. Constant starting-five changes didn't matter, as the unit performed poorly all season. Bradley Bozeman was the team's center once again, proving to be one of the league's worst centers.

Mekhi Becton was brought in last offseason to sure up the right side of the line. Becton seemingly turned his career around after winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, but alas he looked like a bust with the Chargers and might be cut soon.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report pointed out that if the Chargers don't fix their interior issues, it'll be an absolute nightmare.

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Chargers need to fix interior o-line immediately

Knox laid out the worst-case scenario for each NFL team this offseason. For the Chargers, it was regarding them not rebuilding the interior offensive line.

"The Los Angeles Chargers came close to winning the AFC West, despite the fact that Justin Herbert played much of the season hurt and behind a horrendous offensive line," Knox wrote. "Herbert was sacked 54 times during the regular season and another six times during L.A.'s wild-card loss to New England. The Chargers must upgrade their offensive interior if they hope to keep Herbert healthy and go deeper into the postseason. Free agents like center Tyler Linderbaum and guard Wyatt Teller should be on L.A.'s wish list. So should prospects like Penn State guard Olaivavega Ioane."

Los Angeles Chargers guard Mekhi Becton runs on to the the field.
Mekhi Becton | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

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The Chargers have the resources to spend big in free agency. With nearly $90 million in cap space, a Linderbaum signing would be easier to pull off compared to other teams. Linderbaum's projected to receive a deal worth around $18 million per year, which would put him near the top of the center market.

The Chargers have plenty of opportunities to rebuild the interior offensive line. This offseason shouldn't become a wasted opportunity.

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Andrew Parsaud
ANDREW PARSAUD

Proud graduate of Penn State University with a bachelor’s in Digital Media & Journalism. Passionate New York Giants fan, including creator and owner of of Gmen Galaxy on Instagram with over 75 thousand followers. Creating content for Advance Local and On SI. My focus is on social media, content creation, sports news writing, and updating fans on trending news in the NFL.

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