March 9, 2026, 8:21 p.m. CT
Former New Orleans Saints first-round pick offensive tackle Trevor Penning will be extending his stay with the Los Angeles Chargers, signing a one-year contract worth $4.5 million on the opening day of NFL free agency.
The Northern Iowa product experienced a change of scenery at last season’s trade deadline, when he was dealt from New Orleans to Los Angeles in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick. During his stint with the Saints, Penning ultimately fell short of the expectations that came with being a first-round selection. New Orleans had invested heavily in him on draft night, trading high value selections for his services, but the results never quite matched the price.
Penning struggled to consistently hold down a starting role at tackle, which eventually led to the team experimenting with a move to guard. That transition was also short-lived, as injuries and inconsistent play continued to hinder his development.
With the Chargers, Penning will get another opportunity to carve out a role along the offensive line and potentially revitalize his career moving forward.
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