The Los Angeles Chargers are now in a position to drastically re-tool their roster after their defeat in the Wild Card Round to the New England Patriots
As it stands, they have just under $110 million in cap space this offseason: the most in the NFL.
There are a number of key pieces that will need to be brought back with this money, including Khalil Mack, Odafe Oweh, and Teair Tart. Yet there should also be enough space for Los Angeles to address some of the glaring needs on their roster.
Accordingly, ESPN has predicted the Chargers will splurge on their offensive line, beating out the market for guard Isaac Seumalo.
"The Chargers will blow their free agency budget on Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo. Despite turning 33 next season, he is still playing at a high level. Seumalo ranked second among all guards with a 96.9% pass block win rate this season."Aaron Schatz
The Chargers desperately need new pieces on their offensive line, and over-spending in free agency could be their only choice
For anyone who watched Los Angeles play this season, the fact they need to re-shape their offensive line comes as a foregone conclusion. While Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater will solidify the tackle spots with their returns next season, Bradley Bozeman and Mekhi Becton will likely both need to be replaced.
Bozeman is one story. He has struggled mightily in his two seasons with the Chargers, and he would represent just over $1 million in dead cap if the team moved on from him this offseason.
Becton, meanwhile, never quite found his footing in the team's offensive system. He was limited by injuries and lack of help on both sides, and it will likely be in both parties' best interest to find him a new home.
Seumalo, as someone with experience at both left and right guard, could be the team's ideal replacement for Becton.
He was surprisingly one of the weak links on a strong Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line in 2025, but there is reason to believe that his veteran leadership and consistent performance are truly what Los Angeles needs this offseason.
Spotrac projects his contract to fall somewhere in the three-year, $27 8 million range. But in a limited market for guards, the Chargers will likely need to spend more in order to bring him in.
If they sign Seumalo, there is little chance they will also splurge on a center in free agency. But if they are able to add a center through the draft, the offensive line could be entirely reshaped next season.
At 33, Seumalo is certainly no longer among the league's elite guards. He could, however, represent the Chargers' best path to fixing their most glaring issue.