Things just continue to go from bad to worse for the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2025 NFL season. If early season-ending injuries to Rashawn Slater and Najee Harris weren't enough, the team had to deal with an injury to Joe Alt.
While Alt eventually returned, prized first-round pick Omarion Hampton headed to Injured Reserve, and Mekhi Becton's availability has been shaky this season, at best. Then, to rub salt into the wound, Alt went down with another brutal-looking injury after getting rolled up on in Week 9.
On Monday, Chargers fans received the worst news possible, which is that Alt is now out for the year. With the trade deadline frighteningly close on Tuesday, Joe Hortiz and Co. have no choice but to make an aggressive move after this devastating news.
Chargers must trade for an offensive tackle after learning Joe Alt is out for season
That would mean that the Chargers need to give up some draft capital to acquire an offensive tackle, even though there aren't many who are reportedly available. Good left tackles and swing tackles are hard to come by, and it may lead to LA being charged a high price.
However, with the team sitting just a game out of the AFC West lead, it simply has to be done. The Chargers could call the Washington Commanders about Andrew Wylie, who is a versatile piece on the offensive line that can play both guard spots and right tackle.
New York Giants offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor could also be shopped, as he's a veteran with experience all over the line. His best days were with the Las Vegas Raiders opposite Kolton Miller, but he's been solid playing 100% of the snaps at right tackle in New York this year as well.
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Less exciting, but perhaps more realistic options, include recent draft busts like the Chicago Bears' Braxton Jones and Giants' Evan Neal. These two players might actually be a bit cheaper than trying to pry a solid starter from an opponent, but they come with much higher risks.
No matter how you slice it, the Chargers are in dire need of a stabilizing force on the offensive line. They've got guys injured, playing out of position and underperforming, which is far from a recipe for success when it comes to a playoff hopeful.
Hortiz wasn't aggressive during the 2024 trade deadline, but drastic times call for drastic measures. The Chargers cannot afford to waste an entire season in this championship window by not making moves to solidify the offensive tackle position, which is paramount to their success.