LA Chargers: Four potential options to replace Trai Turner

LA Chargers’ potential replacement for Trai Turner: Gabe Jackson

If I had to guess, Gabe Jackson might be the most likely possibility here. Jackson was released by the Raiders as a cap casualty following a seven-season stint with the team. His natural position is right guard, playing 1,076 snaps in that spot last season.

In previous seasons, Jackson did deal with some injury struggles. It was nothing as severe as Turner’s prolonged absence this year though. Jackson did start all 16 games in the 2020 season.

While he’s not in his prime anymore, the former Raiders’ guard is still playing at a decent level. In 16 games, Jackson allowed zero sacks and 26 pressures. Turner gave up one sack and nearly 20 pressures in less than half the snaps that Jackson played.

Going into his 30s, Jackson probably is aware that he’s not going to land a big offer either. One or two-year deals are probably what Jackson will play on for the rest of his career. That especially true when considering the state of the NFL market with the decreased cap. A one-year, $10 million deal is possible here.

Jackson isn’t an amazing offensive lineman at this point in his career. He’s middle of the pack, but that would be a significant upgrade for the Chargers. Turner graded 79th out of 80 right guards while Jackson graded 40th.

It doesn’t take a genius to understand that a significant upgrade at the position for less money is just smart business. Taking advantage of the short-term deals that will be handed out to players like Jackson is crucial this year too.