The Los Angeles Chargers have some major, major needs on the interior of their offensive line this offseason.
Even considering the absences of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater at the tackle spots, they were absolutely abysmal in 2025. They failed to adequately protect Justin Herbert, and if the team has any true hopes of entering Super Bowl contention, major changes will need to be made.
Thankfully, they have the cap space this offseason to take care of it.
The most obvious issues will come in replacing Bradley Bozeman and Mekhi Becton, both of whom are cut candidates under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Finding the right pieces to bring in through free agency and the draft will be a challenge, to say the least.
But Los Angeles's most pressing issue is the one that has gotten the least coverage. Zion Johnson will be an unrestricted free agent in March, and the team must figure out if they will be able to bring him back at a reasonable number.
The rest of the O-line depends upon it.
Zion Johnson presents a tricky case for the Chargers this offseason
In 2025, the bright spot Johnson presented to the Chargers was somewhat overshadowed by the turmoil of the offensive line as a whole. He took major strides in his fourth season in the league, upgrading his agility and his reliability in pass protection.
With a strong tackle next to him, perhaps he would have had an even stronger season.
Of course, Johnson is not one of the league's premier guards. This is where the issue comes in.
Los Angeles declined his fifth-year option last offseason after three disappointing seasons with the team. If they want to keep him now, their options are to either extend him or franchise tag him. Each comes with their own risks.
An extension would require them to commit to Johnson long term. If he regresses, they could be left footing a hefty bill for a sub-par guard. The franchise tag for offensive linemen, meanwhile, currently sits just under $28 million according to Spotrac.
While Los Angeles has ample cap space this offseason, devoting that amount of money to just one spot on the offensive line could be severely limiting.
Yet bringing Johnson back remains the best case scenario in a vacuum. The Chargers will likely bring in unknown quantities at center and right guard. Returning to a known and rapidly improving player at left guard is their safest option.
But the finances could create a more treacherous scenario than Johnson's return might be worth.