The Official 2026 Chargers Season Discussion - (0-2)

[dmac_bolt]

DL just as concerning.

No guarantee Caldwell will be dominant in the center of the defense in his very first NFL season. If it turns out he is….then every team made a huge mistake not taking him in round 1 or 2 and he will be up for DROY honors.

It seems like most here are just assuming his first season will be as good as Poona was last year. That’s an exceedingly high expectation.

Not for me, it isn’t. We have some unknown / unseen but nothing rattles my worry bones like IOL does. I’d feel better if we had added one more verified piece to that group but JH2 know what they are doing and they have a plan

[wu-dai clan]

Realistically, that isnt going to happen simply because he’s a vet and the protocol that entitles them.

While I share your lack of confidence in QJ, I believe his “starter” status will be one to lose versus elevating any rookie ahead of him in training camp.

Current ESPN depth chart has QJ as second string FWIW.

There is plenty of noise outside of reluctant TPB mouthpieces who see the real deal.

[Lone Bolt]

Let's face it more than likely Bozeman will be our staring CENTER and Zion Johnson will be our starting LG! They're going that way!

I disagree...I think the plan when they signed Bozman was as a high end backup...the two sides like each other, so I think Boz was cool with that...but also shrewd enough to say "hey, if I end up starting a bunch, I should get more money"...hence the incentive laden contract...but the very fact it is that type of contract says plan A is backup, plan B, starter.

So, then they say Zion to center, and you figure they find a replacement at LG...but then they stumble on a center who was damn good 2 years ago, but gets rewarded by having his replacement drafted, AND playing in a different system on a bad oline...so then comes to us on the cheap...that bargain contract isnt because he sucks...its because the Raiders are still paying him several million this year, lol...

So, when the smoke clears, draft and FA, we never get a clear LG replacement...but 3 guys vying for center...but...we oicked a big, strong people mover in Branson Taylor...the big question is how sharp he is...if the kid has it going on upstairs, he could be your new LG...Im not writing him off.

So to my mind, when the dust settled, and Im looking at the gameboard and pieces available, I see..

1. Zion at LG and James at C Boz/Taylor backups
2. Zion at C and Taylor at LG. Boz/James backups

Boz is the backup plan, either at C or even left guard, if one or more of these guys shit the bed in camp...but the very fact that they are talking Zion to center, and gave Boz a backup deal, even if there is a "starter clause", tells me they are not satisfied with the combo we had last year, and will be proactive with trying something new.

But...this is all just my take or opinion...but my money is on a new C/LG combo to start the year...James to C, Zion LG.

[Jack Burton]

Jadeveon Clowney anyone?
Just asking….

[wu-dai clan]

I disagree...I think the plan when they signed Bozman was as a high end backup...the two sides like each other, so I think Boz was cool with that...but also shrewd enough to say "hey, if I end up starting a bunch, I should get more money"...hence the incentive laden contract...but the very fact it is that type of contract says plan A is backup, plan B, starter.

So, then they say Zion to center, and you figure they find a replacement at LG...but then they stumble on a center who was damn good 2 years ago, but gets rewarded by having his replacement drafted, AND playing in a different system on a bad oline...so then comes to us on the cheap...that bargain contract isnt because he sucks...its because the Raiders are still paying him several million this year, lol...

So, when the smoke clears, draft and FA, we never get a clear LG replacement...but 3 guys vying for center...but...we oicked a big, strong people mover in Branson Taylor...the big question is how sharp he is...if the kid has it going on upstairs, he could be your new LG...Im not writing him off.

So to my mind, when the dust settled, and Im looking at the gameboard and pieces available, I see..

1. Zion at LG and James at C Boz/Taylor backups
2. Zion at C and Taylor at LG. Boz/James backups

Boz is the backup plan, either at C or even left guard, if one or more of these guys shit the bed in camp...but the very fact that they are talking Zion to center, and gave Boz a backup deal, even if there is a "starter clause", tells me they are not satisfied with the combo we had last year, and will be proactive with trying something new.

But...this is all just my take or opinion...but my money is on a new C/LG combo to start the year...James to C, Zion LG.

First snaps the other day:
Pipkins-Bozeman-Zion-Becton-Alt
(Rashawn unsigned)

ESPN forgot Colson in our defensive depth chart.

Key battles will be in the WR and DB populations.

The rest of the chart is in quick dry concrete.

[Heatmiser]

Bozeman is a good, versatile, experienced back up and spot starter and they got him cheap and the locker room and staff love him. Good deal.

TG

[powderblueboy]

I disagree...I think the plan when they signed Bozman was as a high end backup...the two sides like each other, so I think Boz was cool with that...but also shrewd enough to say "hey, if I end up starting a bunch, I should get more money"...hence the incentive laden contract...but the very fact it is that type of contract says plan A is backup, plan B, starter.

So, then they say Zion to center, and you figure they find a replacement at LG...but then they stumble on a center who was damn good 2 years ago, but gets rewarded by having his replacement drafted, AND playing in a different system on a bad oline...so then comes to us on the cheap...that bargain contract isnt because he sucks...its because the Raiders are still paying him several million this year, lol...

So, when the smoke clears, draft and FA, we never get a clear LG replacement...but 3 guys vying for center...but...we oicked a big, strong people mover in Branson Taylor...the big question is how sharp he is...if the kid has it going on upstairs, he could be your new LG...Im not writing him off.

So to my mind, when the dust settled, and Im looking at the gameboard and pieces available, I see..

1. Zion at LG and James at C Boz/Taylor backups
2. Zion at C and Taylor at LG. Boz/James backups

Boz is the backup plan, either at C or even left guard, if one or more of these guys shit the bed in camp...but the very fact that they are talking Zion to center, and gave Boz a backup deal, even if there is a "starter clause", tells me they are not satisfied with the combo we had last year, and will be proactive with trying something new.

But...this is all just my take or opinion...but my money is on a new C/LG combo to start the year...James to C, Zion LG.

Was James waived by the Raiders and immediately picked up by the Chargers? I remember him to be on the market for quite some time, and then the Chargers finally made a deal with him.

Its a one year deal ... no? I'm not so clear on what the Chargers think they want to do here.

Zion to center was not a smoke screen towards drafting a new center, and then there's Harbaugh's comment on Pip being the front runner at LG if Zion is moved that lingers over me.

Personally, I do not like the uncertainty, and the idea that it will all be ironed out in camp.

[ChargerTrader]

A vet like Scherff at $6-7m seems like an easy layup to bring more flexibility and quality depth to the IOL.

But I trust JH has a plan.

[Boltjolt]

Jadeveon Clowney anyone?
Just asking….

Only for vet minimum. Otherwise, no thanks. Dude been overrated his whole career.

11 season's 58 sacks.

[Chargers8491]

I wouldn't rule out a Hendrickson trade. Demarcus Walker of the Bears would be another addition that would bolster the IDL. There are still some good options the Chargers could pursue if they choose to.

[Jack Burton]

A vet like Scherff at $6-7m seems like an easy layup to bring more flexibility and quality depth to the IOL.

But I trust JH has a plan.

I think the only issue with Scherff is he’s only ever played RG in the NFL. But yeah, he’s good when healthy.

[Jack Burton]

Only for vet minimum. Otherwise, no thanks. Dude been overrated his whole career.

11 season's 58 sacks.

Hendrickson? Just asking…