It’s safe to say Zion Johnson’s time with the Los Angeles Chargers has fallen short of expectations so far. The 2022 first-round pick has started at guard for three seasons, but he has yet to make the leap the team envisioned when they drafted him.
Johnson started his rookie season at left guard before kicking over to right guard in 2023. While he's started 49 of a possible 51 games in his NFL career, Johnson is coming off arguably his worst season to date, one in which he allowed a career-worst seven sacks.
The Chargers will be forced to make a decision on Johnson’s future in the coming weeks, as they must determine whether to exercise his fifth-year option. Teams have until May 1 to finalize their choices on all 2022 first-round picks.
Exercising Johnson’s fifth-year option would lock the Chargers into a $17.56 million salary for 2026 — a steep price tag given his on-field performance so far. The team isn’t expected to pick up the option, and they may have already tipped their hand on the decision.
Chargers are unlikely to exercise Zion Johnson's fifth-year option
The Chargers made a few surprising moves along their offensive line this offseason, bringing back both center Bradley Bozeman and swing tackle Trey Pipkins to solidify the unit's depth.
The team also signed former first-round pick Mekhi Becton, who is expected to remain at right guard following a breakout season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Veteran Andre James was also signed to provide additional depth at center.
Becton’s arrival has cast doubt on Johnson’s future, with the former first-rounder now possibly projected to shift back to left guard, the position he played as a rookie. Still, that’s far from a sure thing.
Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz told reporters back in February that Johnson is also expected to receive reps at center this year, a position he hasn't played since the 2022 Senior Bowl.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh later confirmed this when speaking to reporters at the NFL owners meetings last month. Johnson is expected to be in the mix to start at center, while Pipkins could slide inside to left guard.
All signs point to the obvious: the Chargers have no intention of exercising Johnson’s fifth-year option. The former Boston College standout surrendered a career-high seven sacks and 14 quarterback hits in 2024 and is now set to play his third different position in four years.
That’s not the kind of player you commit nearly $18 million to.
This doesn't mean the Chargers are out on Johnson entirely. The team seems prepared to give him every opportunity to earn a starting job this summer, be it at center or left guard. Still, they're not committed to him beyond 2025.
Expect the Chargers to officially decline Johnson's fifth-year option in the coming weeks, setting him up to be a free agent after this season. His future in Los Angeles is as uncertain as ever.