Chargers rumored to narrow traded deadline focus to one key area

Tuesday's trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Throughout the last few weeks, there have been two positions consistently batted around Chargers rumors-running back and offensive line. Several reporters including the likes of Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, Josina Anderson, and Dianna Russini have spoken at length about both spots for Los Angeles.

Russini published a new article in The Athletic on Saturday morning which further detailed what most teams are looking for heading into the deadline. The Chargers were not explicitly mentioned as a team looking for running back, but they are reportedly making calls along the offensive line. The exact excerpt from Russini:

"The Seahawks and Chargers are exploring potential offensive line additions."

It looks like the Chargers' interest in adding an offensive lineman has intensified heading into the NFL trade deadline.

While the Chargers could still trade for a running back, it feels like the organization has found something in RB Kimani Vidal. Entering Sunday's game vs. the Titans, Vidal has put up 100+ rushing yards in two of his last three games. If the Chargers feel like they can get rookie RB Omarion Hampton back after the BYE week, they should feel more confident about waiting it out now than they once did. In theory, the Troy product should also have a favorable rushing matchup against the Titans tomorrow.

Unlike the emergence of Vidal, the Chargers still face a number of questions on their interior offensive line. C Bradley Bozeman has underperformed while RG Mekhi Becton has been in and out of games with a multitude of injuries. There are probably a select few offensive line veterans that could be jettisoned from selling teams as starters. The Chargers could also be looking to bolster their depth which has been tested all year. Bobby Hart and Foster Sarell primarily played at right tackle and right guard respectively last week in place of Trey Pipkins and the aforementioned Becton.

Steven Haglund of the Guilty as Charged Podcast threw out a few possible names:

The Chargers only have five 2026 draft picks to work with at the trade deadline. But as GM Joe Hortiz has shown before, he's not afraid to dip into future capital. The Chargers GM dealt a 2026 seventh rounder for S Elijah Molden last season. This year, he acquired OT Austin Deculus for a similar selection in 2027.

The Chargers probably won't be the most aggressive team at the deadline, but this report makes it apparent that LA's front office recognizes their deficiencies along the offensive line. Before the deadline, the Chargers will take on the Titans tomorrow afternoon to secure a critical AFC win.