Chargers Vow to Bolster Offensive Line for Justin Herbert

GM Joe Hortiz promises more reinforcements are coming to protect the star QB.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:57pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an offensive line in sharp, overlapping planes of blue, yellow, and red, conveying the Chargers' focus on reconstructing their front five.A cubist interpretation of the Chargers' offensive line, highlighting the team's commitment to rebuilding the unit to better protect star QB Justin Herbert.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz has vowed that the team is not done addressing its offensive line issues, which plagued the team last season when they lost key starters like Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater for much of the year. Hortiz said the Chargers will look to add more talent up front, potentially even in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft, in order to better protect star quarterback Justin Herbert and improve the team's running game.

Why it matters

The Chargers' offensive line struggles last season were a major factor in the team's disappointing 8-8 record, as Herbert was often under pressure and the running game was ineffective. Shoring up the offensive line is crucial for the Chargers to maximize Herbert's potential and return to the playoffs in 2026.

The details

Hortiz said the Chargers are not ruling out drafting an offensive tackle in the first round, even though that would be an aggressive move. The team is determined to find the best available talent to upgrade the offensive line, whether that's at tackle or guard. Potential first-round guard targets include Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnant and Texas A&M's Chase Bisontis, while Penn State's Vega Ioane would be the 'dream' outcome but may be out of reach for the Chargers at their current draft position.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will be a key part of the Chargers' plan to fix their offensive line issues.

The players

Joe Hortiz

The general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Justin Herbert

The star quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Joe Alt

An offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers who missed much of the 2025 season due to injury.

Rashawn Slater

An offensive tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers who missed much of the 2025 season due to injury.

Emmanuel Pregnant

A guard prospect from the University of Oregon who is projected to be a late first-round pick.

Chase Bisontis

A guard prospect from Texas A&M who is projected to be a late first-round pick.

Vega Ioane

A guard prospect from Penn State who is projected to be a top 15 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“We're not done on the offensive line, I can promise you that.”

— Joe Hortiz, General Manager, Los Angeles Chargers

“You gotta have tackles. ...If in a perfect world he doesn't see the field, take the best player available.”

— Joe Hortiz, General Manager, Los Angeles Chargers

What’s next

The Chargers will look to address their offensive line needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially targeting a tackle or guard in the first round.

The takeaway

The Chargers' commitment to improving their offensive line is a clear priority this offseason, as they look to provide better protection and support for star quarterback Justin Herbert. This move should help the team bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign and return to the playoffs in 2026.