The Los Angeles Chargers' greatest issue this season has been the inconsistent performance of their offensive line. With over $110 million in projected cap space this offseason, they would be foolish not to invest significant capital in re-shaping it.
While replacing struggling center Bradley Bozeman should be a priority, the tenuous relationship that has developed between the organization and right guard Mekhi Becton could create a more pressing need.
Isaac Seumalo has had an excellent campaign with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is set to be an unrestricted free agent. He could be the answer.
Isaac Seumalo could provide the Chargers with the consistency and versatility they need
Becton, to say the least, has had an interesting first year in Los Angeles. Although he's missed only two games due to injury, he's suffered from various physical ailments that have limited his performance.
Without an elite center or tackle next to him on the line, his effectiveness as both a run and a pass blocker has taken a significant dip from where he was with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
He has publicly complained about how the coaching staff has handled his injuries and snap count. His departure, moreover, would be relatively easy to navigate. He would represent just $2.5 million in dead cap were he to be cut or traded this offseason.
With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt set to return from injury and Zion Johnson having a solid season, the Chargers primarily need to address the positions of center and right guard. While they could lean that way at the end of the first-round, they have enough cap space to allocate their resources however they wish.
If they choose to replace both Bozeman and Becton through free agency, Seumalo could be their ideal option at right guard. According to Pro Football Focus, he has been among the elite pass-blocking guards in the NFL this year, posting the fourth-best grade in that category among players at his position.
Moreover, he has played on both sides of the line throughout his career, and his versatility could become vital to Los Angeles given the injuries they have seen on their offensive line over the past couple of seasons.
According to Spotrac, his next contract should fetch him somewhere in three-year, $28 million range.
While there is nothing on the Steelers' books that will necessarily preclude them from bringing him back, the Chargers have such ample resources at their disposal that they could certainly outbid most of the teams on the market.
Seumalo should, therefore, garner some serious looks in Los Angeles this offseason.