The LA Chargers head into the offseason with a long list of free agents who all will go in different paths. Some will naturally be brought back as the Chargers build on the foundation established in 2024, while others will be left to find a new home.
There is a specific subset of free agents who fans want to see return to the Chargers regardless of what happens; there is also a specific subset of free agents who fans wouldn't want to see. The desire of the fanbase is not the deciding factor, however, as the team may part ways with a popular player or bring back someone who should be on the way out.
The latter may happen with a certain offensive lineman this offseason. While not committing to anything outright, general manager Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh expressed on Wednesday they want to bring as many free agents back as possible. The duo explicty talked about Bozeman, who struggled as the team's starting center in 2024.
Early on in the press conference today, #Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh said he wants as many guys back from this year’s team as possible.
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) January 16, 2025
He and Joe Hortiz were asked later on about Center Bradley Bozeman’s pending free agency: pic.twitter.com/hPbcaKjMB0
Bradley Bozeman returning to the Chargers is a real possibility
As much as Harbaugh values Bozeman's durability, his play did not match the praise he received from his head coach. Bozeman was part of a weak point on the Chargers' roster that reared its ugly head in the NFL Playoffs against the Houston Texans.
Of course, Harbaugh is not going to sit on the podium and bury one of his players from the 2024 season, regardless of what the true intentions are in the offseason. That is not the man who Harbaugh is, and if he were to do so, it would only hurt Bozeman's chance of signing with other teams.
Bozeman's play certainly doesn't warrant a new contract and starting role with the Chargers. Per Pro Football Focus, Bozeman allowed 30 pressures in 2024, which was the third-most among all centers in the league. Bozeman's 97.3 pass-block efficiency rating was the fifth worst among the 24 centers who played at least 500 pass-blocking snaps.
If the Chargers are running it back with Bozeman as the team's starting center next year then the team is doing a disservice to Justin Herbert. The interior offensive line simply was not good enough in 2024 and it must be improved.
However, there could still be a place for Bozeman on this team. If having a starting role is not a priority for him, Bozeman could be brought back as a veteran depth piece to sit behind the new starting center and right guard.
Bozeman can play both center and guard, so there is value in having him as a depth piece that only fills in when necessary. Plus, his built-in rapport with the offensive line and Herbert could be important for the development of the new offensive linemen.
If the Chargers are truly serious about bringing Bozeman back the hope is that it is in that capacity. If not, the team is destined to have the same holes in 2025.