The Los Angeles' Chargers offseason needs have been crystal clear since Week 9, when Joe Alt went down with a season-ending ankle injury. The offensive line, as it was constructed, was not nearly good enough to allow the team to compete with the NFL's premier squads.
They finished the season with 11 wins, but there was always a lingering feeling that the struggles of the offensive line would prevent them from getting over the hump. That turned out to be more than true.
In their Wild Card matchup against the New England Patriots, Los Angeles allowed six sacks, scoring just three points and gaining virtually no offensive momentum over the course of the game.
With Alt and Rashawn Slater set to return to action in 2026, the focus must fall upon the interior of their line this offseason.
Thankfully, according to ESPN's recent rankings of the strongest and weakest positions available, the Chargers are in a good spot.
It's a good year to refresh your interior offensive line
Zion Johnson is an impending free agent, and his contract negotiations could present a particularly perilous scenario. Both Mekhi Becton and Bradley Bozeman, meanwhile, are serious cut candidates. The Chargers could be left seeking out replacements at all three positions on their interior.
According to Ben Solak at ESPN, however, guards and centers are the second-deepest position in the draft and free agency this offseason (just behind edge rusher, which is a separate issue).
Tyler Linderbaum will be the Chargers' premier target if he ultimately hits free agency. If he returns to the Baltimore Ravens, however, they have options. Connor McGovern and Cade Mays will both come at significantly cheaper prices, and both have pretty strong experience at the position.
In the draft, Auburn's Connor Lew and Florida's Jake Slaughter should both be available in the second or third round.
If Los Angeles needs to replace both guards, it would likely be best to nab at least one established veteran in free agency. Both Isaac Seumalo and David Edwards would be massive upgrades, although they would come with relatively hefty contracts.
Even Joel Bitonio, who just finished his 12th season with the Cleveland Browns, would bring a more dependable presence to the left side of the offensive line.
With ample cap space and their picks at the top of the draft intact, Los Angeles has the tools they need to have a highly impactful offseason. They must now make the right decisions in the draft and free agency. Their season will depend upon it.