The Los Angeles Chargers have invested heavily in the depth of their offensive line this offseason.
They began by re-shaping their interior in free agency. The release of Mekhi Becton and the retirement of Bradley Bozeman were followed by the additions of Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange. They then brought back Trevor Penning and Trey Pipkins III before adding Jake Slaughter, Travis Burke, Logan Taylor, and Alex Harkey in the Draft. Toss in Kayode Awosika in free agency and Isaiah World as a UDFA, and it's clear the Chargers were on a mission this offseason.
In terms of depth signings, perhaps their most savvy was bringing back Pipkins on a two-year, $10 million deal. Pipkins didn't have the strongest performance in 2025. But he's a capable swing tackle, and he should serve as solid depth for Los Angeles over the duration of his contract.
But the Chargers also just gave World a UDFA contract with $534,000 in guaranteed money— the second-most for a UDFA in NFL history, only behind WR Isaiah Bond. He likely won't play this year as he rehabs his torn ACL.
But if you combine that move with their selection of Burke in the fourth round of the Draft, it's clear that the Chargers' future plans for their swing tackle position are taking shape. They likely don't involve Pipkins.
Trey Pipkins III is valuable in the short-term, but he'll need to look for a new job after this contract
In all likelihood, Pipkins' job is in no immediate danger. He started 10 games for Los Angeles last season in the absences of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed 27 pressures and four sacks on 376 pass-blocking snaps. These aren't the most impressive numbers you'll see, but he was relatively productive considering the position he was thrust into.
World, meanwhile, is obviously blocked from threatening Pipkins' job this season. His draft stock was already going to be limited by his inconsistent technique, and the Chargers were able to snag him as a UDFA as a result of his injury in the College Football Playoffs. Even Burke has serious developmental work to do.
But both players have the physical tools to have long-term upside for Los Angeles. World has a powerful frame at 6'5 1/2", while Burke stands at a towering 6'8 3/4" and 325 lbs. New offensive line coach Butch Barry should get free reign to work with these players, and both have the potential to quickly become NFL-caliber contributors under the right circumstances.
With both Alt and Slater set to be back for training camp this season, Pipkins is a 'break-in-case-of-emergency' tool in 2026. The hope is that he will remain behind that glass for the duration of his contract.
But the Chargers have shown an immense amount of faith in the development of both World and Burke this offseason. It likely means that Pipkins' time with the team will not extend beyond his current deal.
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