The Los Angeles Chargers could be left in the unique position this offseason of needing to replace three starters along their offensive line.
Bradley Bozeman has announced his retirement, and Mekhi Becton is likely to be cut this offseason as the team attempts to reshape their protection. These are both pretty straightforward cases.
The free agency of Zion Johnson presents a distinctly more complicated scenario. In terms of continuity, bringing Johnson back would be the ideal outcome. By no means was he elite in 2025, but he was one of the lone bright spots on an overall abysmal offensive line.
Bringing him back would allow Los Angeles to devote most of their energy to unknown quantities at center and right guard. But with a recent report from Daniel Popper at The Athletic suggesting that Johnson's market value could reach as high as $20 million annualy, the Chargers are left with no other choice.
They must explore their options in free agency, and Joel Bitonio of the Cleveland Browns could be their ideal replacement.
Chargers must accept a painful Zion Johnson truth if report proves true
Although the Chicago Bears accomplished it last offseason, finding three new starters on the offensive line is not easily done. But Johnson's performance, frankly, does not warrant a $20 million price tag.
The Chargers have over $87 million in cap space to spend this offseason. With Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack entering free agency and needs at the other two interior spots on the offensive line, Los Angeles likely cannot afford to give Johnson an exorbitant figure while maintaining their depth at other positions.
Perhaps a player like Bitonio could be the solution. Per Pro Football Focus, Bitonio was the 23rd-best guard by overall grade out of the 81 qualified players at the position last season. For reference, Johnson was 53rd.
Bitonio, moreover, is projected to earn just $12.9 million per year on his next deal, according to Spotrac. Although Spotrac might be low on Johnson's figure (they have him at around $11 million annualy), there's reason to expect Bitonio's projection to be close to reality.
In 2026, Bitonio will be entering 13th season of NFL service. If the Chargers were seeking out their left guard of the future, perhaps they should shy away from that type of player.
But with their anchoring left tackle in Rashawn Slater set to return (and perhaps a rookie center coming into the system), it makes sense to slot in a reliable, veteran guard. Bitonio has not suffered a major injury since the 2016 season, and he's missed only two outings over the past five campaigns.
It might be painful to see Johnson go after the Chargers spent a first-round pick on him in 2022. But an extra $8 million to spend could make a massive difference this offseason. Los Angeles must, therefore, explore Bitonio as an option.