It was announced Wednesday morning that the Los Angeles Chargers signed former 2021 first-round offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood. Leatherwood was most recently a member of the Cleveland Browns practice squad.
At the time of the writing of this article, it is not clear if the Chargers intend to make Leatherwood a starter or a depth piece.
Los Angeles Chargers Add Leatherwood to O-Line
The Chargers have made several changes to the offensive line since Jim Harbaugh‘s arrival as head coach. Most notably they added Joe Alt with the 5th overall pick in the 2024 draft. They also signed Bradley Bozeman to play center.
Leatherwood played at both right guard and right tackle in his first season in the league, despite having played left tackle in the final two season at Alabama.
Previously to this signing, the Chargers seem to have solidified four of the five spots along the offensive line with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt at tackle, Bozeman at center, and Zion Johnson at left guard.
By most accounts, Leatherwood is considered one of the bigger busts in modern draft history. After having gone 17th in the 2021 draft, he started for the Las Vegas Raiders. That year he allowed the most quarterback pressures in the league with 67. By the next year, Leatherwood was benched and eventually cut.
It should come as no surprise by now that Harbaugh and his staff continue to add to the offensive line. And given that Leatherwood is coming off a practice squad contract, there is little risk in the Chargers taking a chance on, perhaps reviving a perceived draft bust.
Although it doesn’t bode well, that he spent a year under offensive line guru, Bill Callahan, and only now found a spot on a NFL roster.
