This is an interesting franchise to include in a list like this because general manager Joe Hortiz is not a big fan of relying heavily on free agency. He built his career while working with the Baltimore Ravens, an organization that believes in drafting well, developing talent and retaining it. The problem is, the Chargers have some major holes in their offensive line that can’t entirely be filled with draft picks. Center Bradley Bozeman retired last month, and there are real questions at both guard positions (one starter, Zion Johnson, is about to become a free agent, while the other, 2025 signee Mekhi Becton, was a major disappointment in his first season with the team). This isn’t an ideal situation for the Chargers, since head coach Jim Harbaugh wants his offensive line to be the tip of that team’s spear.
Hortiz will have plenty of money to play with, as Los Angeles has roughly $84.5 million in projected cap space. Given Hortiz’s ties to the Ravens, there has been ample speculation about him being interested in Baltimore center Tyler Linderbaum if Linderbaum reaches free agency next week. Other potential targets at that position could include Buffalo’s Connor McGovern and Tyler Biadasz, whom the Commanders recently released. As for possible options at guard, the Ravens have another outgoing free agent who could interest Hortiz, Daniel Faalele, while Buffalo’s David Edwards and two New York Jets (Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson) could be good fits, as well.
The Chargers have reached the postseason in both of Harbaugh’s first two seasons with the franchise. However, last season was made especially challenging by the absence of injured offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, with quarterback Justin Herbert suffering through 54 sacks (which was the second highest number in the league). The Chargers have built a solid foundation in a relatively short time. Opening up the pocketbook in free agency will help them keep a good thing going.
