It has become clear that the Los Angeles Chargers will look to find ways to protect Justin Herbert at all costs this offseason. After countless rumors concerning contracts and targets and draft prospects, the Chargers’ plans are starting to become more concrete, with one player coming into focus as their ultimate target: Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum. However, if Linderbaum proves to be too expensive, another potential option has arisen.
It’s safe to say that out of all the cuts the Chargers will make, Bradley Bozeman will be one of them. The center signed on a one year deal did not end up impressing anyone in the organization. Thus, that is why rumors have swirled about Linderbaum. Still, what with the whole issue of salary, the cheaper option could actually be Connor McGovern of the Bills. He may also be the better option too.
A Costly Splash vs. A Calculated Upgrade
To compare both Bozeman and McGovern’s play this season, while Bozeman ranked as one of the worst centers in the league, if not the worst, McGovern was significantly better, grading out 12th overall amongst all centers and ninth in pass blocking.
If the goal of this offense is to get MVP level play out of Justin Herbert, McGovern is the perfect fit, especially in an innovative offense under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
For the Bills, it would be much easier to part ways with McGovern than it would be for the Ravens and Linderbaum. The Ravens have about 22 million dollars in cap space, but could free up some money by releasing some key players, such as Dre’Mont Jones. On the other hand, the Bills are expected to be 10 million dollars over the cap, with little room to free up a new contract for McGovern.
Cap Space Could Decide the Outcome
With McGovern expected to earn around 16 million dollars annually on his next deal, it would be much easier for the Chargers to be able to pick up that contract. With Linderbaum, they would have to hope that several other teams looking to sign him fall back and look elsewhere. For McGovern, he may go under several teams’ radars, leaving the Chargers in prime position.
For Chargers fans, either one of these players would be a massive upgrade from what they had to witness last year. For years now, they have just wanted a decent enough offensive line to get the best version of Justin Herbert possible. A move like this could not only be career-altering, but franchise-altering as well.
A lot of people are projecting that with the return of slater and Alt alone along the O-line, the Chargers could win the Super Bowl next year. Still, with the addition of a competent center, it would be a no-brainer who the favorite could be come the start of the season. Either Linderbaum or McGovern could be the guy for LA, and most importantly, the guy to take them over the top.
While it’s clear the Chargers could take a big swing on Linderbaum, it’s great to know they have a nice backup plan as well.
Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a passionate and knowledgeable sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ pursuing a role in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard
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