Getty
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh has a lot to work on in his third year with the Los Angeles Chargers, especially the offense.
The offensive line has been one of the worst in the NFL when it comes to protecting the quarterback, with Justin Herbert being sacked 54 times in the 2025 season, the third most in the league. In the 2024 season, the Bolts’ offensive line allowed 41 sacks on Herbert, the seventh-most.
Pro Football Focus named the Chargers’ offensive line as the 30th-worst in the league. Now there were injuries to the O-line, with star tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater‘s ending early, which made opposing defensive lines’ jobs easier in getting Herbert.
There is a clear sign of where Los Angeles needs to improve immediately in the 2026 offseason.
Adding Pro Bowl Experience To The Offensive Line
GettyThe Los Angeles Chargers could strengthen their O-line in the offseason
With Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater set to be ready for the start of the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Chargers can use the 2026 offseason to focus on reinforcing the interior.
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus names the Chargers as the best landing spot for guard Kevin Zeitler, who was a Pro Bowler after the 2023 season.
“Despite approaching 36 years old, Kevin Zeitler is still performing as one of the NFL’s best interior blockers. Over the final six games of the regular season, the veteran posted the highest PFF pass-blocking grade among interior offensive linemen (89.3). Although his NFL future remains a question, should he decide against retirement, many teams will call,” Cameron wrote.
“Chief among those teams that will have an interest will be the Chargers. Justin Herbert was running for his life this season behind a patchwork offensive line. The Chargers allowed the NFL’s most interior pressures during the regular season. This team can’t afford to put their franchise quarterback under fire like that again.”
The free agent would be an upgrade over the two current starting guards for the Bolts in Zion Johnson and Mekhi Becton, who both recorded overall grades under 60 by PFF.
Zeitler last played for the Tennessee Titans on a one-year deal. The guard received a 75.4 pass block grade, which is a positive sign for Justin Herbert.
As mentioned, the offensive guard is 36 years old and could be on a team-friendly deal for Los Angeles. He has appeared in a minimum of 15 games since the 2015 season, showing the durability that would help protect Herbert.
New Offensive Coordinator
GettyThe Chargers offense already has a new look
Something the Los Angeles Chargers fans should be excited about is the team’s new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Greg Roman.
The Bolts hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to be the next offensive playcaller of the team.
McDaniel has mentioned that Justin Herbert’s best football is ahead of him. And how will he have his better seasons? But giving him an offensive line that will protect him and give him time to find his receiving targets.
Los Angeles will have almost $90 million in cap space for the 2026 free agency, which will allow the Bolts to add Kevin Zeitler with ease.
Jason Garcia Jason Garcia is a sports contributor for Heavy Sports who joined the team in 2025, covering the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers. More about Jason Garcia
More Heavy on Chargers
Loading more stories