To say the LA Chargers offensive line has struggled this season would be an understatement. A mix of injuries and poor depth has fostered an enviornment that is truly unsustainable for Justin Herbert in the long run.
Thankfully, the health of it all is starting to turn a corner and the Chargers are reportedly exploring the market for any tackle upgrades. The team is starting to do it's due diligence, including an internal shift that fans have wanted for months.
After Bradley Bozeman's awful start to the 2025 season, which has somehow been worse than his 2024 campaign, the Chargers may finally be considering a switch. Former Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James was seen taking first-team center snaps on Wednesday, which could foreshadow a potential change on the starting offensive line.
Chargers may finally give Andre James the keys to the starting center position
Update: Bradley Bozeman did not practice for the Chargers on Thursday.
Nothing has been set in stone, so as excited as some fans may be for this change, it's important to remember that Bozeman is the starter until Jim Harbaugh says otherwise. However, for the first time all season, the Chargers are at least taking a step in making that change.
Bozeman was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, so it's not like James was simply filling in for the injured starting center. And while the Chargers are very banged up on the offensive line, the interior is still intact, so it's not like Bozeman is going to start elsewhere.
The Bolts are clearly trying to see what they can get out of James and as far as the fanbase is concerned, it's a complete unknown. James played poorly last season, which ultimately led to his release.
That being said, James was rock solid for the Raiders in 2023. If he can recapture that form, he would be exponentially better than Bozeman has been this season. Heck, even 80% of that form would be better than what the Bolts are getting out of Bozeman this season.
Bozeman's PFF grade ranks 47th among 49 graded centers. And while PFF grades certainly aren't the end-all, be-all, this grade does illustrate how poorly Bozeman has played this season. As long as James isn't the worst center in the sport it will be an improvement.
The question now becomes whether or not the Chargers will actually commit to this big of a change without there being an injury. Even though Bozeman has played poorly, changing the starting center is a big move for a team to make midseason. Add in the fact that Harbaugh is notoriously loyal and it's hard to fully believe the Chargers will make the change.
But if they do, more likely than not, the team will be better off.