This time next Monday, the Los Angeles Chargers, along with the other 31 NFL teams, will be ready to start making deals and signing checks to acquire new players for their franchise. All of this to achieve the ultimate goal of hoisting a Lombardi trophy. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, free agency is almost here.
The Chargers wasted no time in bolstering their line before Monday, as they have just signed Tyler Biadasz to a 3-year, $30 million deal. Even with this signing, this still shouldn’t stop the Chargers from looking to get quality depth for the offensive line.
Looking at how their season ended last year, there’s one big hole that needs to be addressed: keep Justin Herbert upright. Herbert was sacked 54 times last season and hit 129 times, the most of any other quarterback last season. Following the retirement of Bradley Bozeman, the possibility of losing Zion Johnson, and the release of Mekhi Becton (which can’t be official until the new league year starts next Wednesday), the interior line is set to look much different next season. Here are some of the available free agents I believe should be on their target list to revamp the interior:
Joel Bitonio
Bitonio is on what looks like the backend of his career, but why not take a chance at him? A seasoned veteran who’s spent his entire career with the Cleveland Browns, and he’s looking for a change of scenery? I’m in. Get him on a one-year deal, and then in the draft, you get someone who can sit behind him and learn how the league works. Sounds like a win to me.
Evan Neal
I know people are probably thinking I’m crazy for suggesting this after the Mekhi Becton project failed, but just walk with me. Neal doesn’t necessarily need to be a starter this year for the Chargers. If he comes in as a depth piece, that’s just as fine. Obviously, his time with the New York Giants was not what he had hoped for, but giving him a fresh start in the powder blues might work out well for him. He’s played mostly tackle for his young career, with some time at the guard position as well. There is flexibility in having him on the roster should the Chargers bring him.
Isaac Seumalo
Seumalo is an older guard in the league who is well respected. Going into this upcoming season, he will be turning 33, and he is still one of the better guards in the league as it currently stands. He’s someone who would be able to come into LA and be one of the better guards they’ve had in recent years and start instantly. Even if the deal was just for 2 years, $20 million, that’s a bargain for what he’s brought to the table for his former teams in the Eagles, and more recently, the Steelers.
Alijah Vera-Tucker
Ok, just hear me out. I know he’s coming off a torn triceps injury, but if you thought Seumalo was a bargain, let me introduce Alijah Vera-Tucker. His market is going to be low, and the injury he’s had will more than likely have some teams uneasy about signing him. The former first-round pick has only played an entire season twice in his career: his rookie season in 2021 and the 2024 season. A career that has had ups and downs due to injuries, he’s looking to remind people that he can still play at a high level.
