The Los Angeles Chargers' most desperate need this offseason is crystal clear: re-shape the interior of the offensive line.
Although much of the line's struggles can be attributed to the absence of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater last season, the interior starters also deserve much of the blame. Both Bradley Bozeman and Mekhi Becton were horrendous.
Both finished near (or at) the bottom of their position in their overall protection grade, according to Pro Football Focus. With Mike McDaniel coming in to reimagine the Chargers' scheme, both players will be cut candidates this offseason.
Los Angeles, therefore, will have a mandate to seek out a new center and a right guard over the next few months.
While it remains an outside hope, their dream target to take Bozeman's place, Tyler Linderbaum of the Baltimore Ravens, seems to become more available by the day.
The Ravens will have a tough time re-siging Linderbaum, and the Chargers could take advantage
Over the past four seasons, Linderbaum has been one of the league's premier interior protectors. He finished his rookie season with down-ballot Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration, and he's since earned three consecutive nods to the Pro Bowl.
In 2025, he was the fifth-best center by overall protection grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
If the Ravens had their way, they would of course like to have him back. However, Baltimore has already signed Travis Jones to an extension, and they will soon have to reckon with an extension for star defensive back Kyle Hamilton. They declined Linderbaum's fifth-year option in the hopes of negotiating a more palatable, long-term contract.
Yet they have only $22 million in cap space to play with this offseason, and they have other major needs on the roster. Dre'Mont Jones is a free agent, and Baltimore needs major help for their pass rush. It could ultimately become infeasible for them to bring Linderbaum back as well.
If Linderbaum reaches the open market, there will be stiff competition for his services. He's projected to earn an AAV of around $17 million on his next contract by Spotrac.
But the Chargers could win a bidding war if they were seriously interested in bringing Linderbaum in. Although they have their own pending free agents to deal with, they have just over $87 million in cap space for next season.
The Ravens couldn't win a bidding war, and that is what makes Linderbaum's situation so tantalizing. Nothing will be concrete until free agency opens on Mar. 11, but it's a situation worth monitoring in the meantime.