The one big question mark of Chargers’ free agency so far is their plan at guard. After signing Tyler Biadasz to start at center, it’s been a confusing process. The Chargers passed on higher-tier free agent guard starters in order to sign Cole Strange and Trey Pipkins III. It’s still unclear whether they envision either of those players actually starting. Trevor Penning is also potentially in the mix at guard/tackle after the team retained him.
Another name might be added to the mix soon. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that 49ers left guard Spencer Burford is visiting the Chargers. He arrived in Los Angeles tonight.
Spencer Burford isn’t one of the top guards available-but his connection to the 49ers and Chargers OC Mike McDaniel makes sense.
Spencer Burford didn’t have a great season last year. He started at left guard down the stretch of the 49ers 2025 campaign. The final numbers: 2 sacks, 31 pressures, 95.0 pass blocking efficiency (worst of his career). Burford received a 61.4 from PFF for run blocking and a 44.6 as a pass blocker. He missed six weeks on IR with a knee injury.
To put it bluntly, Burford is not one of the best options at guard remaining like a Wyatt Teller or a Joel Bitonio. But one of the reasons he probably is being pursued is scheme familiarity. Burford played in Kyle Shanahan’s offense for the last four seasons after being drafted in 2022. On that basis, it’s not a surprise that McDaniel wants a guard that’s able to execute an offense similar to his. A similar level of scheme familiarity can also be applied to the thinking behind the Cole Strange signing.
The connections are noteworthy here. Burford started 38 games in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. That being said, this doesn’t feel like the best available interior offensive lineman signing on the market. .Because it isn’t. Burford was 26th in Brandon Thorn’s interior offensive lineman free agent rankings.
It’s possible that Burford is simply a depth signing and that there’s no reason to freak out yet. But the Chargers have yet to sign or draft a clear starter at the position.
Burford would also probably make a low enough salary as to not count against the comp pick formula.
The connections to the new McDaniel offense make sense for Burford, but it does still feel like they should be aiming higher.