The Los Angeles Chargers, for the most part, have done an excellent job replenishing the depth of their offensive line this offseason.
They first replaced the entirety of their interior protection, letting both Zion Johnson and Mekhi Becton walk in free agency after the retirement of Bradley Bozeman. The signing of Tyler Biadasz on a three-year, $30 million contract should represent a major upgrade over Bozeman, and Cole Strange should be able to, at least, provide serviceable protection on the right side of the line.
Combined with the returns of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater from their season-ending injuries in 2025, there's ample room to be optimistic about Los Angeles' protection this season.
But there's also room to be cautious. As of now, the Chargers have an ongoing competition between Trevor Penning, Jake Slaughter, and Kayode Awosika for the starting left guard spot. Even if Slaughter, who Los Angeles added in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, ultimately wins that battle, Trevor Penning will likely be the first man up to replace either guard in the event of injury.
In short stints, Penning can provide serviceable play on the interior. But if Penning is counted upon to take extensive snaps, that's certainly a less-than-ideal scenario for the Chargers.
Trevor Penning is a serviceable backup, but the Chargers are in trouble if he needs to take on a major role
The Chargers' swing on Penning at the trade deadline last season was justifiable. He was acquired for the price of just a 2027 sixth-round draft selection, and his first-round pedigree certainly leaves room for him to continue to grow at the NFL level.
But his time with the Saints, even after his move to the interior, didn't provide many inspiring moments. Neither did his time with Los Angeles, for that matter. In the two games where Penning saw extensive snaps— 47 at left tackle in Week 11 and 71 at right guard in Week 18— he allowed a total of 10 pressures and two sacks, per Pro Football Focus.
In terms of positional versatility, the one-year, $3.5 million contract Penning signed with the Chargers this offseason could prove to be valuable. If he needs to slot in for a game, or even a few snaps, at either a guard or tackle spot, his presence will be worth the cost of his contract.
There's also always a chance that Penning beats out Slaughter for the starting left guard spot given his experience at the position. But the Chargers' draft-night gamble clearly hinged on their belief in Slaughter's ability to win that competition. And if Strange is not the swing guard for this offense, that likely also leaves Penning in that role.
The line the Chargers have to walk, therefore, is very thin.
Even backup options can have massive burdens placed onto their shoulders in an instant by an injury, and Penning, frankly, isn't who the Chargers should be looking at to take on that workload. While the depth of their offensive line is improved, it's hard to argue that Penning taking extensive snaps in any capacity is an ideal scenario for the team.
No matter how deep their room seems, then, Penning will be the first man up. That's undeniably a frightening thought.
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