Chargers' offseason blunder comes back to haunt during minicamp

The interior offensive line proved to be an Achilles' Heel for the LA Chargers in 2024 that bit the team at the worst possible time in the NFL Playoffs. As a result, with ample resources in the offseason, fans assumed the Chargers would completely reinvent the inside of the offensive line.

However, the Chargers didn't quite make the slew of moves fans were expecting. Mekhi Becton was the only starting-caliber offensive lineman the Chargers signed. As a result, Jim Harbaugh confirmed fans' worst nightmare during minicamp, sharing that Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson would once again be starting (potentially with their positions flipped).

This was avoidable with the ample cap space the Chargers had in free agency. To make matters even more baffling, the Chargers could have actively created more cap space by parting ways with a backup offensive lineman to sign a starting-caliber offensive lineman.

Over-valuing the swing tackle position and keeping Trey Pipkins (in addition to trusting Bradley Bozeman) was a mistake.

Chargers' Trey Pipkins and Bradley Bozeman mistakes come back to bite during minicamp

The Chargers could have handled things differently to avoid starting Bozeman at left guard (which is where all signs are pointing). Los Angeles didn't even need to waive Pipkins to make it happen. But even if we give the team the benefit of the doubt, it's baffling why the team chose to keep PIpkins instead of use that money elsewhere.

Los Angeles would have created $6.75 million in additional cap space by releasing Pipkins this offseason. That may not be a massive chunk of change, but it could have been used to sign a starter on the interior.

It didn't even have to be an overly expensive option, either! The Chargers could have used that money to sign someone in the Ryan Kelly ballpark. Kelly signed a two-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings and has a $5.5 million cap hit in 2025.

It didn't have to be Kelly specifically, but the Chargers could have used that money to actually pay a starter. Instead, the Chargers overvalued the swing tackle position and is paying a backup offensive lineman the third-highest salary on the offensive line.

Swing tackles are important, sure. But do you know what is more important than a swing tackle? A starter at left guard or center. There is a very real chance Pipkins doesn't even play in 2025 if Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt stay healthy.

What makes it worse is the fact the Chargers had options to replace Pipkins, who is pretty replaceable to begin with. Jamaree Salyer has reps at both tackle positions and has arguably been better than Pipkins at the position.

Then, the Chargers could have used a pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to take a cost-controlled, younger swing tackle. Nothing against Branson Taylor, but the Chargers would be better off with a starter on the interior and a late-round swing tackle; instead, the Chargers have Bozeman starting, an overpaid swing tackle, and a late-round guard who won't play.