Potential O-line depth options for Chargers

In a shocking turn of events, Los Angeles Chargers starting left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon Thursday and will be sidelined for the season.

Per the Chargers web site, the team shifted standout right tackle Joe Alt to left tackle in practice and inserted Trey Pipkins III at right tackle. But the Chargers — who have Super Bowl aspirations — need depth options for a line that allowed 44 sacks last season (14th most in the NFL). Protecting star QB Justin Herbert is paramount for Los Angeles. 

Here are potential options for the Chargers:

Free-agent options

Brandon Scherff: He played guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars the past three seasons after seven outstanding seasons with the Washington Commanders. He isn't the same player he was during his Pro Bowl days (he made five for Washington), but the 6-foot-5, 315-pounder could aid the Chargers.

Jedrick Wills Jr.: The former starting tackle for the Cleveland Browns has underwhelmed since his selection in the first round in 2020. He's injury prone but could slide into right tackle, where he starred at Alabama.

Trade options

Evan Neal (New York Giants): He's another Alabama offensive lineman who has underwhelmed in the NFL. Neal, who is on the last year of a $24.5M contract (per Spotrac), recently was moved from tackle to guard. 

“It’s not easy to move inside, especially at this level,” Giants offensive lineman Greg Van Roten said about Neal, per Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. “I’m sure he’s been humbled. This is not, I’m sure, what he thought his career was going to be at this point. But sometimes it takes a while for guys to get going in the NFL." 

Vederian Lowe (New England): The Patriots benched Lowe for 2025 first-round tackle Will Campbell, but he has starting experience (21 games for Patriots). He could be an ideal depth piece, especially at swing tackle. Plus, he'd come at a reasonable salary (roughly $3.4M, per Spotrac).

Yosh Nijman (Carolina): He's a backup right tackle who has starting experience (25 games in NFL). In 2022, he started eight games at right tackle for the Green Bay Packers.