Chargers face difficult decisions along the offensive line

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Offensive tackle Sam Tevi #69 of the Los Angeles Chargers battles defensive end J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans in the second half of the game at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 22: Offensive tackle Sam Tevi #69 of the Los Angeles Chargers battles defensive end J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans in the second half of the game at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Michael Schofield #75 of the Los Angeles Chargers lines up on the offensive line during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Michael Schofield #75 of the Los Angeles Chargers lines up on the offensive line during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Chargers: Right guard, left guard, and right tackle

Funny enough, their best offensive lineman this season is the one who isn’t under contract next year. Michael Schofield, who has given up one sack in 590 pass-blocking snaps this year, is an unrestricted free agent following this season. Do they bring him back on another short contract, or do they look to fill his spot with new talent? Gut feeling says they’ll retain his services, as he is only 29 next year and has been consistently above average for the team. The Chargers won’t get a great performance out of him often, but he won’t be the reason they lose too many games either.

So that leaves two spots: Left guard and right tackle. You know, the areas of need heading into the 2019 NFL Draft they never addressed.

Dan Feeney has gone from liability at left guard to an average one this offseason, and he deserves credit for that. However, it just doesn’t seem like he’s got the goods to improve much further, and would be better off as a strong reserve player. The coaches didn’t seem to think too highly of him initially, substituting Forrest Lamp in at left guard both in the preseason and occasionally during the regular season. He’s improved, but the Chargers could do better.

However, no position has been a bigger issue along the offensive line than right tackle. I can’t believe no one saw that coming…oh wait, every fan did.

If any starter is replaced this offseason, it’s Sam Tevi.