Even a decision that was completely correct in the moment can be one that a team later regrets. That's the situation the LA Chargers may find themselves in with 2022 first-round pick Zion Johnson.
The Chargers declined Johnson's fifth-year rookie option after three disappointing seasons as a pro. Johnson was viewed as a weak link on a struggling offensive line and even flirted with a position change to center to improve his play. That didn't work, and it appeared inevitable that 2025 would be his last year in LA.
That's when Johnson took control of his own narrative. The former Boston College guard has put together the best season of his young career to this point. While he is by no means a Pro Bowl-caliber guard, he's certainly been a productive, above-average player.
Jim Harbaugh called the left guard one of his favorite players on the team, proving that Johnson has won over those in the building. If Harbaugh and the Chargers had a DeLorean, they'd almost certainly jump back in time to change their decision on Johnson's fifth-year option.
Chargers may now regret what was a smart Zion Johnson decision
It's impossible to even blame the Chargers for their decision. Trying to play revisionist history as if the Bolts' decision wasn't the perfectly correct decision at the time would be disingenuous. Zion simply proved the Chargers wrong.
The option would have paid Johnson $17.56 million in 2026, which is still a bit expensive for a player of his caliber. Johnson's been a good guard this season and that kind of annual salary is paid to great guards.
However, it would have just been a one-year commitment and the Chargers have ample cap space in 2026. A long-term salary at that price would be a bit rich, even after the season he's had. A one-year deal at that price wouldn't have been the worst thing in the world.
The most important thing the fifth-year option would have granted is time. Los Angeles would have Johnson on the books for one more year, giving the front office ample time to work out a multi-year deal that reflects his current production.
Instead, Johnson will hit the open market and is free to negotiate with any team. Draft priors always do wonders for first-round pick, especially when they're still only 26 years old and are coming off the best season of their career.
There undoubtedly will be a team that is willing to pay Johnson more than the Chargers could've paid him on an in-house extension. That will prompt the Chargers with a decision: Do they roll the dice and potentially pay Johnson more than he's worth? Or do they also find a new starting left guard in the same offseason where they will also likely find a new center and right guard?
It's a tough position to be in. It'd be much easier to manage with the insurance of one more year.