Why the LA Chargers shouldn’t pursue a free-agent left tackle
By Jason Reed
The LA Chargers need offensive line help this offseason. The biggest priority for the team should be making Justin Herbet’s life as easy as possible and if the same offensive line shows up in 2021 then that will be far from the case.
The Chargers had one of the worst offensive lines in football last season and they were bailed out by the fact that Hebert played tremendous under pressure. However, expected him to repeat the same performance under pressure next season is a risk the Chargers cannot take.
Everyone in the Chargers’ building should rewatch Joe Burrow’s injury last season as a reminder to why an offensive line around your franchise quarterback is so important. There are no more excuses for Tom Telesco.
Two potential targets have emerged in free agency as it was reported on Thursday that the Kansas City Chiefs released tackles Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz. After seeing what Patrick Mahomes did with those two blocking on the edges, they naturally become intriguing options for the Chargers.
Especially Fisher, who has been in the league for eight seasons, seven of which he played left tackle. Fisher is a two-time Pro Bowler and has consistently been an above-average tackle throughout his career.
However, as intriguing as the former first-overall pick is, the LA Chargers should not be pursuing him in free agency. In fact, the Chargers should not be pursuing any starting-caliber left tackles in free agency.
The LA Chargers should draft a left tackle in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Here is why the Bolts should be looking to add a left tackle with the 13th pick in the draft instead of signing an established veteran like Fisher at the position.