Chargers' Offensive Line Comments Raise Concerns

But team hints at more moves to come in free agency and draft

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:04pm

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The Los Angeles Chargers have made some concerning comments about their plans to address the offensive line this offseason, with head coach Jim Harbaugh praising the signing of guard Cole Strange primarily for his familiarity with the system rather than his on-field performance. However, Harbaugh has also indicated that the team is not done adding to the offensive line and is open to bringing in more competition.

Why it matters

The Chargers' offensive line was a major weakness last season, and they need to significantly upgrade the unit to better protect star quarterback Justin Herbert. The team's comments about Strange have raised questions about whether they are being aggressive enough in addressing this critical need.

The details

After securing an upgrade at center with the signing of Tyler Biadasz, the Chargers have been relatively quiet on the offensive line front. Their biggest move so far has been the signing of guard Cole Strange, who is familiar with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system from their time together in Miami. However, Harbaugh's comments about Strange's signing, focusing more on his familiarity than his on-field performance, have been concerning for Chargers fans. The team still has obvious needs at both guard spots, and Harbaugh's assurances that 'more is to come' in free agency and the draft will need to be backed up by significant additions.

  • The Chargers made the signing of center Tyler Biadasz earlier this offseason.
  • The Chargers signed guard Cole Strange in free agency.
  • Harbaugh made his comments about the Strange signing at the NFL meetings on March 31, 2026.

The players

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' star quarterback who needs better protection from the offensive line.

Jim Harbaugh

The head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Tyler Biadasz

The center the Chargers signed this offseason to upgrade the offensive line.

Cole Strange

The guard the Chargers signed in free agency who is familiar with their offensive coordinator's system.

Mike McDaniel

The Chargers' offensive coordinator who previously worked with Cole Strange in Miami.

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What they’re saying

“Familiarity and availability. As Mike was explaining the offense, and Butch Barry, we were watching a lot of Miami tape. You could see Cole Strange was really good at all the things they would be implementing.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, Los Angeles Chargers

“More to come. Free agency still continues and the draft is coming soon.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, Los Angeles Chargers

“Competing, starters? Yeah, sure. Competitors welcome, you know how I feel about that. There's more to come.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, Los Angeles Chargers

What’s next

The Chargers will need to be active in the remaining free agency period and the upcoming NFL Draft to address their offensive line needs and provide better protection for Justin Herbert.

The takeaway

The Chargers' comments about their offensive line additions have raised concerns, as the team seems to be relying more on familiarity than proven on-field performance. However, the team has indicated that more moves are coming, and they will need to be aggressive in upgrading the unit to give their star quarterback the protection he needs.