ESPN Analyst Says Chargers' Zion Johnson is 'Best Fit' for Raiders

Chargers guard Zion Johnson could be on the move to an AFC West rival in free agency.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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NFL analyst Matt Bowen believes that Chargers guard Zion Johnson would be the best fit for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Bowen cites Johnson's mobility, durability, and pass-blocking ability as reasons why he would be a good addition to the Raiders' offensive line as they look to rebuild under new head coach Klint Kubiak.

Why it matters

The Chargers declined to exercise the fifth-year option on Johnson's rookie contract, making him a free agent after the 2025 season. With the Chargers having over $82 million in cap space this offseason, they will have to decide whether to re-sign Johnson or let him walk to a division rival like the Raiders.

The details

Zion Johnson was a 2022 draft pick by the Chargers out of Boston College. Since then, he has been a staple of the Chargers' offensive line, logging over 1,000 snaps with career-best marks in pressures allowed (26) and sacks allowed (3). He ranked second among interior offensive linemen in ESPN's run-block win rate.

  • Chargers declined to exercise Johnson's fifth-year option in May 2025.
  • Johnson's rookie contract with the Chargers expires after the 2025 season.

The players

Zion Johnson

A guard for the Los Angeles Chargers who was drafted in 2022 out of Boston College. He has been a key part of the Chargers' offensive line over the past four seasons.

Matt Bowen

An NFL analyst for ESPN who believes Johnson would be the best fit for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who will be looking to improve the team's offensive line in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The Raiders can upgrade their offensive line with Johnson. He'd play the left guard spot in Klint Kubiak's system, using his mobility in the zone run game. Plus, Johnson's youth and durability fit the rebuild in Las Vegas. He is just entering his prime playing years, with a 90.7% pass block win rate over his four-year career with the Chargers.”

— Matt Bowen, NFL Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The Chargers will have to decide whether to re-sign Zion Johnson or let him test free agency, where the Raiders could be a potential landing spot.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the difficult decisions NFL teams face in managing their salary cap and retaining key players, especially when those players may be attractive targets for division rivals in free agency.