Interior offensive line and wide receiver. LA Chargers fans had a rather short wishlist heading into the 2025 offseason, and the team delivered on one of those wishes. Unfortunately, the Bolts did not add the offensive line help fans were hoping for.
The Chargers did add some help. Los Angeles signed defending Super Bowl champion Mekhi Becton to a two-year, $20 million contract — the biggest free-agent signing by the Bolts. However, the Chargers needed far more than one offensive lineman to patch up the issues from 2024. The decision-makers seemingly disagreed.
Now, four weeks into the 2025 season after a 3-0 start that thrust the Bolts in Super Bowl contention, the front office may be regretting that decision. Becton, the prized signing of the offseason, is officially inactive against the New York Giants after suffering a concussion in Week 3. Jamaree Salyer will start in his place.
Chargers' negligence of the offensive line is aging poorly
The Chargers had one of the best tackle duos in the sport last season, it was the interior offensive line that had problems. It wasn't fair to expect a complete overhaul of the offensive line, but Chargers fans definitely expected more than one established addition.
The only other addition the Chargers made to the offensive line was sixth-round pick Branson Taylor. Taylor was wholly uninspiring in the preseason and is now on the practice squad.
To make matters worse, Rashawn Slater suffered a season-ending Achilles injury during training camp that forced one of last year's starters, Trey Pipkins, into the starting five. Pipkins was originally viewed as a cut candidate this spring, so the Chargers were proven right in keeping him around at a higher price tag.
But if the Bolts were willing to pay over $9 million for a swing tackle, it's worth wondering why the team didn't commit any extra resources to the offensive line in addition to Becton.
Pipkins is now battling an ankle injury that will certainly impact his play at right tackle. Veteran center Bradley Bozeman, who struggled mightily last season, was knocked out of Week 3's game against the Denver Broncos. The house of cards is caving in, and the Chargers didn't bring in the proper safety measures.
The Chargers have gotten away with it thus far. In Week 3, Justin Herbert rescued the team with an MVP-like performance despite facing pressure in over 50% of his dropbacks. But that won't happen every week, and the Chargers are truly playing with fire.
Thankfully, there are ways to add offensive line help during the season as well. Perhaps this Becton injury will serve as the wake-up call the Chargers need.