The Chargers will have their work cut out for them in 2026 when it comes to their internal free agents. Only 36 players are on the books for next season. The Chargers are currently slated to have just five 2026 NFL Draft picks to fill those spots as well. While they are projected to have over $100 million in cap space next season, much of that will need to be spent on retaining their current roster.
One of those players who might be signed to an extension to stay in Los Angeles is LG Zion Johnson. While the team declined his fifth-year option, that was more of a procedural move given that the that the option for offensive linemen doesn’t distinguish between tackles and guards. The Ravens declined the fifth-year option for C Tyler Linderbaum on a similar basis.
Zion Johnson will still be in the Chargers' future plans if Jim Harbaugh’s comments are any indication
“Every week consistently really good,” Harbaugh said. “He’s one of my favorites on the team. Nobody I love more than Zion (Johnson).”
Despite the injury-related chaos on the offensive line around him, Johnson did take steps forward both on tape and statistically in 2025. Johnson’s 26 pressures were down seven from last season for a new career best mark.
Only three sacks allowed in PFF’s charting was also a career best (lowest) figure for the Boston College product. A pass blocking efficiency of 97.7 in 2025 was also career high for Johnson, even topping his 2022 rookie season (97.1) that he played next to C Corey Linsley.
Assuming Johnson rests on Sunday as indicated by early practice reports. It would be Johnson’s third missed game in four years. Jim Harbaugh uses the terms TED (there every day) to refer to players who set the standard for availability. He once again talked up the efforts of Johnson today in his Wednesday media availability:
Harbaugh then talked about the way Johnson prepares for practices and how intricate his routine is. Similar to phrasing that he has used before in reference to other Chargers players trying to emulate S Derwin James Jr., Johnson has been the standard for other players.
Harbaugh said that he told rookie OL Branson Taylor and C Josh Kaltenberger to specifically follow Johnson’s example. Taylor might make his first NFL start this week in Johnson’s LG spot.
Harbaugh talks up most of his players, but the consistent praise of Johnson points to him likely being back in 2026. The Chargers will at least have to uproot the RG spot with the failure of the Mekhi Becton signing and we’ll see what happens with C Bradley Bozeman. But Johnson’s improvement this season in conjunction with the return of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater would provide a lot of stability for the offensive line next year.
If he wants to be back with the Chargers, they’re going to make it happen. And starter level money on the open market is what Johnson has earned this season.