The Los Angeles Chargers, more than anything, need to address the elephant in the room this offseason. If they don't fix the interior of their offensive line, they will have no shot at Super Bowl contention in 2026.
Zion Johnson can come back at left guard depending on how the finances play out. But the Chargers must find replacements for Mekhi Becton and Bradley Bozeman. Both players are serious cut candidates under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Together, the players would represent about $3.5 million in dead cap if they were released this offseason.
Bozeman is a veteran who came to Los Angeles at a cheap price. His release, somewhat unfortunately, would not be all that tragic.
But cutting Becton after just one year with the organization would be a major disappointment. Thankfully, a trade could still be an option, according to Alex Ballentine at Bleacher Report.
If Mekhi Becton has any value left, the Chargers must capitalize upon it
Becton struggled mightily to find his footing with the Chargers in 2025. He complained publicly about how the team handles his injuries and his understanding of the scheme, and he was the third-worst overall protector among qualifying guards in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus.
But it's important to remember he's not all that far removed from his resurgent 2024 season. After the Philadelphia Eagles signed him in free agency with a plan to shift him to the inside, he became an integral part of their championship-caliber front.
It was reasonable for the Chargers to pursue him in free agency, and his two-year, $20 million contract reflected the buzz he had around the league. It, sadly, just hasn't worked out.
But does that mean no team would be interested in taking a buy-cheap swing on him?
Perhaps a team that is looking for a quick turnaround, such as the Cleveland Browns, or a team that is losing a guard in free agency would at least pick up the phone. The Chargers do not currently possess a fifth or seventh-round selection in the upcoming draft.
If they can retrieve a Day 3 pick for Becton, it would be a major success given the circumstances.
Of course, it would be frustrating to see Becton find his footing with another team after how disappointing he's been with the Chargers. But sometimes, player and team just don't mesh. A fresh start is what's needed for both parties, and it's at least worth taking a peek around the market see if there's any interest.