Elite tackle duo Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater return to anchor a reconstructed, high-depth offensive line poised to transform Jim Harbaugh’s front into a dominant unit this season.
The Los Angeles Chargers are in a great place heading into the preseason. Despite all the negative publicity that the Chargers' offensive line received after a playoff defeat, the team is making waves for the depth it does have.
The Chargers of course added several new linemen through the draft and free agency, but also will get back two of the best tackles in the league in Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. The excitement is palpable. Los Angeles is due for a breakout season.
Sports Illustrated NFL insider is optimistic about the Bolts' new look offense and key additions made by the team. Breer made his thoughts clear when writing about the offensive line's loaded depth. Here's what he had to say.
"There’s a good chance the Chargers have five different linemen than they had to finish the 2025 season—and that, thanks to some improved health, is a really good thing. The foundation of the team Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz have built runs through the group, and that the Chargers won 11 games last year despite the damage they took on is pretty remarkable. Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are, of course, the group’s core pieces, and both have looked like themselves coming back from last year’s season-ending injuries (Alt played in just six games last year, Slater played in none). Tyler Biadasz’s athleticism and intelligence has flashed at center, and the Chargers think they stole one in getting him after the Commanders cut him. Former first-rounder Cole Strange is coming with McDaniel from Miami. And that leaves the left guard spot, where Trevor Penning, rookie Jake Slaughter and Kayode Awosika are battling it out. Bottom line, this should be a team strength."
Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Joe Alt (76) blocks Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesWe made our thoughts clear on how good the offensive line should be this year. On July 23, we opined that the Chargers offensive line would surprise. Breer took it a step further.
The veteran NFL analyst suggests that the Chargers line could be a strength for the team. Imagine reading that five months ago.
Still, it's possible that the Chargers will in fact have not just an average but a good offensive line this year. That optimism is founded in facts.
Whether it be Strange's familiarity with McDaniel's system, versatility of new additions, Alt and Slater's elite play or some combination of all of it, Los Angeles is set to be much improved in the trenches. Look for them to prove it when they take the field in Week 1.
