The Los Angeles Chargers' signing of free agent center Tyler Biadasz shows that Joe Hortiz is serious about remaking the team's interior offensive line, and that directive to remake things spells bad news for former first-round pick and four-year starter Zion Johnson.
Johnson is likely not going to return to Los Angeles after the former Boston College alum went from someone who appeared to be a fixture of this team's offense to a fairly replaceable player who may be shown the door now that Jim Harbaugh can land some replacements.
Surprisingly, Johnson is going to have a very strong market among teams that have some cash to splash. Johnson, according to SNY's Connor Hughes, is at the top of the New York Jerts' wish list as they try to keep their surprisingly solid offensive line together.
Jets may sign Chargers OG Zion Johnson in free agency
The Jets may need to replace both of their starting guards, as left guard John Simpson underwent a regression and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has suffered three major injuries in the last four seasons. Johnson represents someone with a scintilla of upside that could be unearthed.
Johnson has not lived up the hype as a No. 17 overall pick, as he has been a serviceable, completely average guard as both a run blocker and pass blocker throughout his career. Considering how he's produced in his career, the only contract that makes sense for him would involve a serious hometown discount.
Daniel Popper of The Athletic suggested that Johnson's value could rise as high as $20 million per season due to both the lack of quality offensive line options on the market and the recent uptick in extension value for in-demand linemen. The Chargers have Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, the former of whom will be paid big money and the latter of whom already has, which may prevent a third big-money deal.
Johnson seems like the perfect player to turn things around when he arrives at a new destination, but he seems to have flatlined in Los Angeles. With the eye-watering contract projections he may end up fulfilling, the Chargers would be wise to wish him well and pick someone else to be their left guard.