The Los Angeles Chargers are in desperate need of a new center this offseason. Even if Bradley Bozeman hadn't retired, this statement would still be more than true.
His retirement, however, not only takes a difficult decision out of their hands but also gives them an exciting opportunity. They have the whole of the offseason to survey both the free agent market and the draft for his replacement.
As it stands, Tyler Linderbaum is their dream target. The Baltimore Ravens are in tough financial straits, and Los Angeles has the cap space to offer him top-of-the-market value. But that number might reach as high as $22 or $23 million per year.
If that's the case, Los Angeles could be better off seeking out a center in the second or third round of the draft. They would have a number of options, but Logan Jones out of Iowa may have just forced himself to the forefront with his performance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Logan Jones has emerged as a tantalizing option at center
In their newly-minted, Mike McDaniel offense, the Chargers will need to target mobile and athletic players to fill out the interior of their offensive line. The success of McDaniel's outside-zone scheme will depend upon it.
Jones checks all of those boxes and more. At 6'3" and just a hair under 300 lbs, he led all offensive linemen with a 4.9-second 40-yard dash. He later tacked on a 7.46-second run through the 3-cone drill and a 4.59-second attempt at the 20-yard shuttle.
He was one of just a few players to compete in every drill at the combine.
This level of athleticism and mobility matches up with his actual production as well. Per Pro Football Focus, Jones was the best pass-blocking center in all of college football last season. He allowed just three pressures on 311 pass-blocking snaps.
There are lingering concerns about his age and lack of true bulk. But in a draft with a slew of centers projected for Day 2, Jones has made his case to be the first center off the board.
There are other appealing options, including Connor Lew out of Auburn and Jake Slaughter out of Florida. If Los Angeles chooses to go for Olaivavega Ioane in the first round, there could also be trepidations about entering next season with two rookie starters on the offensive line.
But if the Chargers ultimately decide to address the center position in the draft, it's hard to deny that Jones would be their premier option, even if it requires them to spend their third-round selection.