On Tuesday, general manager Joe Hortiz gave his annual LA Chargers' media availability at the NFL Combine.
At a post-press conference session with local reporters, Hortiz dropped a rather interesting note about starting left guard Zion Johnson. Per Chargers' editorial director Eric Smith, Hortiz indicated that Johnson has been "getting some work at center".
While Johnson has never played center before, it's not unforeseen territory for him as far as projection. Johnson got center reps at the Senior Bowl following practices. Some talent evaluators liked him more at center at the NFL level.
Zion Johnson may be the Chargers' answer at center
Assuming the Chargers do not pick up Johnson's fifth-year option later this offseason, 2025 will be the last year of his rookie deal. If they don't see him as a long-term guard option following his rookie contract, a year where he competes at center could make sense in the long term.
Leaving breadcrumbs about Johnson playing center may also reveal more about the teams' plans at guard this offseason. If the Chargers were to double up at guard in free agency and sign multiple external starter-level contracts, the former Boston College product would likely be out of the starting lineup.
The Chargers underwent a somewhat similar process with former right tackle Trey Pipkins before his conversion to guard following the team drafting Joe Alt. By June, Pipkins more or less had the starting job at right guard in the bag.
It likely won't be that simple for Johnson at center considering the financial and draft resources the Chargers have compared to last offseason, but they'll have to find what the best spot is for him if he isn't a starting guard.
Perhaps if the Chargers address both guard spots with heavy financial capital in free agency, they could allow Johnson, a replacement-level free agent (such as Bozeman), and a day two/three draft pick to compete for the center spot.
It will be a long offseason until Johnson's 2025 role is actually determined, but the breadcrumbs about him not starting at left guard are interesting nonetheless.