There are still two spots left to decide on the LA Chargers' offensive line. Rashawn Slater will be at left tackle while Joe Alt will handle the other side. In free agency, Los Angeles signed Mekhi Becton to man the right guard spot. Last week, Jim Harbaugh said that Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman were both getting reps at left guard and center on alternating days.
But, there is another name that could be in contention for a starting offensive line spot. In addition to Becton, Los Angeles also signed former Raiders center Andre James in free agency. James was Las Vegas' starter at center along their offensive line for the past four seasons.
He is making himself at home with his new team. In new footage of the Chargers' offseason program captured by ESPN's Kris Rhim, Justin Herbert was seen taking snaps from James. Herbert and backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke were seen throwing to running backs Kimani Vidal and Najee Harris.
Andre James takes snaps with Justin Herbert at Chargers practice
Harbaugh mentioned last week that he sees Johnson as a starter on the offensive line, whether it comes at either left guard or center. If that is to be believed, that leaves one starting spot open for one of James or Bozeman.
If James were to get the starting nod at center, he would be the third new starter there in the team's last three seasons. Corey Linsley started the 2023 campaign before he was forced to retire due to a dilated aortic root. Bozeman started at center for all 17 regular-season games and the Houston playoff matchup last season.
We're a long way off from training camp, but perhaps were not too far off from the offensive line starters being decided. On June 11th last year, Harbaugh gave out the five names that "separated themselves" along the offensive line prior to the 2024 campaign.
At the very least, James is helpful depth for a Chargers interior that needs it. At his highest ceiling, he very well could start at center for the Chargers in 2025.