The Chargers still need help at guard despite signing Cole Strange. Could veteran Wyatt Teller be the solution? While not perfect, Teller’s experience and physical run blocking could give the Chargers’ offensive line the boost it needs to better protect Justin Herbert.
The Los Angeles Chargers have made a few moves in free agency, but one thing is still painfully clear: the offensive line, specifically the guard position, remains a major concern. Protecting franchise quarterback Justin Herbert should be priority number one, yet the Chargers’ approach to the interior line has been underwhelming so far.
The team did bring in Cole Strange on a two-year deal, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Strange does have experience in McDaniel’s system, which likely made him an attractive addition. However, the reality is that Strange has not been a consistently high-level guard in the NFL. His recent performance metrics have placed him toward the lower tier among starting guards, especially in pass protection.
In other words, Strange may provide depth or competition, but counting on him as the long-term solution at guard feels risky.
That’s where Wyatt Teller enters the conversation.
Teller spent the bulk of his career with the Cleveland Browns and was one of the league’s best guards during his prime years. From 2021 through 2023 he established himself as a physical interior lineman and earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections while starting nearly every game. His strength in the run game and overall toughness helped Cleveland build one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the NFL during that stretch.
Now, the situation has changed.
Teller is no longer quite the same player he once was. Injuries have crept in, including a calf issue that landed him on injured reserve late in the 2025 season. He’s also now in his early 30s, which means any team signing him would likely view the move as a short-term solution rather than a long-term investment.
Still, that might be exactly what the Chargers need.
Right now the interior offensive line feels incomplete. The team added center Tyler Biadasz and Strange, but the guard spot still lacks a true difference-maker. Teller, even with his flaws, would instantly raise the floor of the group. He’s a proven run blocker, plays with a nasty edge and has experience in zone-based run schemes that resemble what McDaniel wants to implement in Los Angeles.
Reports have also suggested that the Chargers could still look to the veteran market for help along the interior line as free agency continues. That makes Teller a logical name to watch.
Of course, there are risks.
Teller’s age, injury history and potential cost could make the Chargers hesitant. General manager Joe Hortiz has also been careful with free agency spending, often prioritizing value signings and preserving future draft compensation. Adding Teller would likely be a calculated move rather than a splash signing.
But at this point, doing nothing at guard is arguably the bigger risk.
The Chargers saw Herbert take an alarming amount of punishment last season. If the team is serious about contending, upgrading the interior offensive line should be non-negotiable. Teller may not be perfect, but he could provide stability and experience to a unit that desperately needs both.
And if the Chargers truly want to protect their franchise quarterback, taking a chance on Wyatt Teller might be a move worth making.