Although there are minor battles being waged at positions like safety and tight end, the Los Angeles Chargers' most obvious storyline of the offseason is their competition for the starting left guard spot.
Contrary to expectations, the Chargers were relatively modest with their additions along the interior of the offensive line this offseason. Their signing of center Tyler Biadasz prior to the start of free agency was savvy, especially because it didn't affect their standing in the compensatory pick formula. But beyond that, Los Angele showed a distinct willingness to lean on the ability of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to maximize their talent at the guard spots. They added Cole Strange as their starting right guard, and they've left the left guard spot open to a competition between Trevor Penning, Jake Slaughter, and Kayode Awosika.
If the Chargers can get one viable starter out of the competition, their job will be complete. So far, it seems as though Kayode Awosika has taken an early lead, although the coaching staff has been insistent that no decisions will be made until the pads come on in training camp.
That means there's a chance for the competition to take on a drastically different complexion between now and Week 1. Trevor Penning's return from injury during Los Angeles' mandatory minicamp could be a catalyst for that.
Trevor Penning might not be the most popular Charger, but he has a real chance to win the LG competition
The trade for Penning at the deadline in 2025, in which the Chargers shipped off a sixth-round pick in exchange for the fourth-year lineman, was not very popular at the time. Neither was Los Angeles' decision to bring him back on a one-year, $3.5 million deal for 2026.
A former first-round pick, Penning struggled to find a place along the offensive line during his tenure with the New Orleans Saints. Between the Saints and the Chargers in 2025, Penning allowed 26 pressures and five sacks on just 346 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. He was graded 64th out of 81 qualified guards according to PFF's grading system.
Penning's inability to find a home in protection can be spun according to a different angle, however. Versatility.
Penning played at least one snap at every spot except for center in 2025. He was also relatively effective when he took snaps at right guard for Los Angeles, allowing just one sack across his three games at the position.
Penning did not take part in most drills during OTAs as he worked off to the side with coaches, rehabbing an undisclosed injury. But Jim Harbaugh confirmed on Tuesday that Penning is now back in full capacity.
In an ideal world, Penning is not a starting lineman. But in comparison with his competitors, he certainly has room to emerge as the Chargers' top option.
Kayode Awosika started 11 games for the Detroit Lions over the past four seasons, serving primarily as a depth guard with a minimal amount of positional versatility. He allowed 10 pressures on 168 pass-blocking snaps last season. While the Chargers clearly have hopes for Slaughter's ability to make the positional switch, it can't be forgotten that the college center played zero snaps at guard during his time at Florida.
Penning, therefore, is the only protector in this competition with extensive starting experience at the NFL level. He also played under a zone-blocking scheme last season with Kellen Moore at the helm of the Saints.
If he can prove to be reliable pass protector this season and acclimate quickly to Mike McDaniel's scheme in training camp, Penning has a real chance to usurp both Awosika and Slaughter in the competition for left guard.
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