The Los Angeles Chargers have dedicated a lot of resources to their offensive line over the past few years, and while the line play has improved, it still hasn’t matched the investment.
As it stands, the Chargers have four first-round picks across the line. Both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt look to be cornerstone tackles.
Mekhi Becton was just signed in free agency so we have yet to see what he will be like with the Chargers.
Zion Johnson is the other first-round guard, and he has had a very up-and-down career thus far in the NFL.
Bradley Locker of PFF just recently penned an article naming every team’s most tradable asset. For the Chargers, it is none other than Zion Johnson.
Zion Johnson Named Los Angeles Chargers Biggest Trade Asset
While Johnson has shown flashes, he has been wildly inconsistent and has not lived up to his first-round hype.
“Los Angeles signed guard Mekhi Becton and center Andre James in free agency, while Bradley Bozeman and Trey Pipkins are each back in the fold. Johnson’s 62.5 PFF overall grade leads Chargers guards since 2023, but his fifth-year option will probably get declined – and a trade may ensue,” writes Locker.
That will be what it comes down to. While Johnson has not been terrible, up until this point, he has not shown enough to give him that big second contract, making him the franchise guard.
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He can still accomplish that this season in Year 2 of Greg Roman’s system, but if he does not improve, the Chargers could try to flip him for something instead of letting him hit free agency for nothing.
While Locker alluded to Trey Pipkins, he is also a free agent after this season, so while he could certainly fill in this year, that would still leave them with questions about the guard position in the future.
As of today, the Chargers have 10 draft picks. Regardless of whether they trade Johson or not, expect them to use a selection or two on an interior offensive lineman for depth and development.