Many Chargers fans have questioned Joe Hortiz's offseason decisions regarding the offensive line. The Chargers brought in Cole Strange and Kayode Awosika. They re-signed Trey Pipkins and Trevor Penning. But they didn't bring in bona fide, proven starters outside of C Tyler Biadasz.
Part of the financial equation is the comp pick strategy. The Chargers are currently projected to get a third-round compensatory draft selection for the departure of EDGE Odafe Oweh. While Cole Strange canceled out the comp pick for Zion Johnson, Oweh signing with the Commanders could produce a top 100 pick for the Chargers next draft.
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz doubled down on the comp pick formula strategy
Hortiz was asked about the comp pick approach and how it affected free agency. A few key excerpts from a longer explanation:
“I love comp picks. I do.”
“You know how you get comp picks? You build a really deep roster.”
“With Odafe, he goes. You don’t want to sign someone of a significantly lesser value and lose that pick.”
With the 2027 NFL Draft being as valued as it is in league circles, it makes sense that Hortiz wants extra resources there as a result of Oweh leaving. That part to me is understandable considering how high that pick could end up being in a very good draft.
At the same time, Cole Strange being the key guard acquisition that counted against the comp formula raises some questions. Obviously, this was a player Mike McDaniel wanted. Hortiz mentioned McDaniel on Thursday regarding just how drastically he shaped free agency with his presence.
But Strange is more of a project than a true known quantity at guard. Unless the Chargers bulk up the interior offensive line in the draft, Biadasz will be the only clear player-for-player upgrade on the line in 2026.
The addition of a player like Elgton Jenkins would've made the Chargers process make more sense. Daniel Popper did report that the Chargers had some interest there before being beat out by Cleveland. Jenkins wouldn't have counted against the comp formula. But LA missed an opportunity like that while playing the comp game.
Ultimately, the Chargers will still be aggressive in adding to the offensive line. Hortiz said as much today at his presser. But while I do understand the logic behind the comp pick formula for the Chargers, it's fair to say they still didn't take as much advantage of some of less costly offensive line options (financially and comp) that were out there on the market.
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