The Los Angeles Chargers must protect Justin Herbert at all costs.
In 2025, they allowed the second-most sacks in the league, and the abysmal play of their offensive line limited their ceiling as a true playoff contender. If they want things to change in 2026, it starts with replacing Bradley Bozeman at center.
Cutting Bozeman is essentially a non-factor in their financial situation. He would only represent just over $1 million in dead cap next season were he to be released.
The real challenge lies in how they will replace him. Their top free agent candidate, Tyler Linderbaum of the Baltimore Ravens, is already crystal clear. According to NFL Insider Jonathan Jones, sources are already connecting Linderbaum to the Chargers.
But there are financial difficulties at play here, and there is always the scenario that Baltimore finds the flexibility to bring Linderbaum back.
If that happens, Los Angeles has a worthy backup plan in Connor McGovern of the Buffalo Bills.
Connor McGovern could be the ideal target if the Chargers' Tyler Linderbaum pursuit falls flat
It's difficult to imagine a better addition than Linderbaum. Since receiving down ballot consideration for Offensive Rookie of the Year, he's made the Pro Bowl in three straight seasons. He's been the steadying force on an up-and-down Baltimore offensive line.
According to Pro Football Focus, Linderbaum finished as the fifth-best qualifying center in the NFL this season. But he's projected to earn roughly $17 million annually on his next deal: a tough price to swallow for any team with limited cap.
Yet Baltimore still has a path to bringing him back. They currently have over $22 million in cap spacef they decide to let edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones walk, they have very few other free agents that are a priority.
For the Chargers, a bid for McGovern could be even more realistic. According to PFF, McGovern finished as just the league's 15th-best overall center, but he had the sixth-best pass protection grade.
It's not as though his run protection has been sub-par, however. He's been instrumental in the explosive leap James Cook has taken in recent seasons. The Bills finished with the NFL's best rushing offense in 2025, in large part because of McGovern's contributions.
Buffalo also has a much tougher path to bringing McGovern back. They currently are $10 million over the cap, and they have some important defensive free agents to bring back if they so choose.
McGovern is projected to make around $16 million annually on his next deal per Spotrac.
It wouldn't be as large of a swing as Linderbaum, but it's important to remember he's not the Chargers' only option this offseason.