The Chargers need help at guard, but passing on Wyatt Teller and Spencer Burford may have been the right call. Rather than settling for flawed options, they could be positioning themselves for a smarter long-term solution through the draft or a trade.
On the surface, it feels like the Chargers are playing a dangerous game. The offensive line was already a glaring weakness, and after losing key pieces this offseason, the need at guard feels urgent. So when names like Wyatt Teller and Spencer Burford were floated as potential solutions—and ultimately not signed—it raised eyebrows. But the more you look at it, the more it feels like the Chargers may have actually dodged a bullet.
Let’s start with Wyatt Teller. There’s no denying his reputation. At his peak, he’s been one of the better run-blocking guards in the league, capable of moving defenders and opening lanes consistently. That kind of physical presence would’ve been appealing for a Chargers offense trying to find more balance. But Teller isn’t a flawless player, and that’s where the hesitation likely came in.
His pass protection has always been a bit inconsistent, and that’s a problem for a team that needs to prioritize keeping Justin Herbert upright above all else. Add in the wear and tear that comes with his play style and the likely cost of acquiring him, and suddenly the risk starts to outweigh the reward. The Chargers don’t just need a guard—they need the right guard.
Then there’s Spencer Burford, who feels like the opposite type of gamble. Younger, cheaper and with some upside—but far from a sure thing. Burford has struggled with consistency, particularly in pass protection, and hasn’t developed into the reliable starter many expected. Bringing him in would’ve felt more like a patch than a solution, and that’s not what this offensive line needs right now.
If anything, signing Burford might have created a false sense of security. He’s the kind of player you add for depth or competition, not someone you pencil in as a long-term answer. Given where the Chargers are, that’s just not enough.
So while it’s easy to criticize the front office for not making a move, standing pat may have been the smarter play. Overcommitting to flawed options—whether it’s through cap space, draft capital or playing time—can set a team back just as much as doing nothing at all.
That brings us to what feels like the most logical path forward: aiming higher. Whether that means exploring a trade for a more proven, well-rounded guard or using an early draft pick on a top prospect, the Chargers have options that offer more long-term stability. And honestly, that’s what this team needs.
The reality is, this offensive line situation isn’t going to be fixed with a bargain-bin signing. It requires a real investment—either financially, via trade assets or through premium draft capital. Anything less is just kicking the can down the road.
It’s not a comfortable position to be in, especially with a franchise quarterback who’s already taken too many hits. But forcing a move just to say you addressed the position can be just as damaging as ignoring it altogether.
In that sense, passing on Wyatt Teller and Spencer Burford might not be a sign of inaction—it might be a sign of restraint. And if the Chargers follow it up with a smarter, more impactful move, it could end up being one of the better decisions they’ve made this offseason.