As easy as it is to get caught up in big names like Tyler Linderbaum this offseason, it's important the Los Angeles Chargers remain realistic here.
After all, they still need to bring back Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack. This will eat a large chunk of their financial flexibility. If they choose to extend Zion Johnson, another portion of their cap space will vanish.
Obviously, the priority must be to bring in reliable protection on the interior of the offensive line. Both Mekhi Becton and Bradley Bozeman must be replaced. The Chargers have two routes in front of them to accomplish this goal.
Either take a developmental swing in the early rounds of the draft, or find a reliable veteran in free agency. If they fail to find the right lineman in the first round, perhaps a mid-level contract applied on the open market could be their best move.
David Edwards of the Buffalo Bills, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, could be their safest path to viability.
The Chargers can't afford another upside swing at right guard
After a splending 2024 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Becton earned a two-year, $20 million contract with Los Angeles. It was a gamble on the fact that he would be able to sustain his production outside of Philadelphia's ecosystem, especially since he was only one season removed from being moved inside due to poor performance at the tackle spot.
Needless to say, it was a disappointing turnout from Becton.
The Chargers can no longer afford to gamble. They need to look for a dependable and proven option for at least one of their two expected vacancies this offseason. Edwards could be exactly that.
He's never made a Pro Bowl, but he's been an integral part of Buffalo's dominant run game over the past three seasons at left guard. Per Pro Football Focus, he was the 19th-best overall protector out of all qualifying guards this season.
He's not inexperienced at right guard either, having played the position in his rookie campaign with the Los Angeles Rams. There's also the possibility that Johnson is not extended, leaving an opening at left guard.
He's not necessarily the star guard Chargers fans might be hoping for, especially if Olaivavega Ioane is available in the first round. But he's a dependable and proven option, and his $19.9 million projected annual salary would be well worth it as a result.
No more gambles.