It's been a polarizing offseason for the LA Chargers. On one hand, the Bolts hired the best offensive coordinator on the market and have been making moves in free agency that put faith in that offensive coordinator. On the other hand, the Chargers have refused to make a splash, raising concerns about the team's offensive line in 2026.
While it's understandable that the Chargers didn't want to reset the center market or spend top-line money on overpaid free agents, there are several free agents who would have been perfect fits in LA that ended up elsewhere. No name checks this box more than Elgton Jenkins, who signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Jenkins has experience in a similar scheme as Mike McDaniels, wouldn't have counted toward the compensatory pick formula, signed for a marginal price, and has been a Pro Bowler at left guard. He's everything the Chargers need, which made it frustrating when he signed with the Browns, not the Bolts.
The Chargers rightfully caught some flak for this move; however, it may not have been for a lack of trying. Daniel Popper of The Athletic revealed in his latest write-up that the Chargers were actually in the market for Jenkins. Why nothing happened is anyone's guess.
"The toughest non-move to stomach was the Chargers missing out on Elgton Jenkins. The Green Bay Packers moved on from Jenkins and saved considerable cap space. Jenkins hit the open market. The Chargers were interested, but Jenkins ended up signing with the Cleveland Browns on a deal averaging $12 million per year," Popper writes.
"Jenkins’ best position is left guard. He has proven production at this position in Matt LaFleur’s offense in Green Bay. LaFleur and McDaniel come from the same coaching tree."
Daniel Popper says the Chargers were interested in Elgton Jenkins
Popper, a key beat reporter following the team, isn't guessing the Chargers were interested in Jenkins. This confirms that the Chargers were at least in the market for Jenkins but the level of interest is impossible to know.
Clearly, the Chargers weren't interested enough to beat Cleveland's two-year, $24 million contract for the former Pro Bowl guard. It's truly a bittersweet bit of insight from Popper, as it confirms the Chargers weren't outright ignoring the issue, but opted not to prioritize it.
Of course, Jenkins had the right to sign anywhere in the league and he very well could have taken a similar offer from Cleveland that the Chargers were also offering. But money talks, and so does the chance to win a Super Bowl. The Chargers definitely could have signed Jenkins if they had offered a tangible amount above what the Browns offered.
The Chargers had the cap space to make it happen. You would think the Bolts would prioritize spending $12-15 million a season to protect their franchise quarterback coming off a season in which he led the league in total pressures.
But alas, the Chargers have a plan and that plan involves investing in Cole Strange, who has been one of the worst starting guards in the league despite his experience with McDaniel, instead of spending slightly more for someone with a proven Pro-Bowl track record.