The Los Angeles Chargers do seem to be a lot healthier up front, but there is a case to be made that they should make one more addition to the offensive line.
The Los Angeles Chargers had major struggles with injuries in 2025, especially on the offensive line, which put quarterback Justin Herbert under heavy pressure and limited their ability to have a consistent run game.
With that said, the Chargers seem to be a lot healthier, with offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater returning from injury and getting ready for the 2026 season. At center, Los Angeles should be a lot better with the addition of Tyler Biadasz.
Aside from Alt, Slater, and Biadasz, there are still questions on the offensive line, with free agent signing Cole Strange expected to start at right guard and heavy competition still going on at left guard. The competition at this point seems to be between Kayode Awosika, Jake Slaughter, and Branson Taylor.
Currently, it does not seem like the Chargers know who will be the starter at left guard, as Awosika, Slaughter, and Taylor have all had their moments during camp, but none of them have clearly won the job just yet. With that in mind, there may be a case for going out and signing a veteran at guard, with one potential name being Kevin Zeitler.
Last season, Zeitler played for the Tennessee Titans and was very solid on the interior. Zeitler also brings 14 years of NFL experience and 214 starts, which could be very valuable to the Chargers' young offensive line.
According to Pro Football Focus, Zeitler earned an overall grade of 74.5 (No. 13 among guards), a pass-blocking grade of 75.4 (No. 9 among guards), and a run-blocking grade of 70.8 (No. 20 among guards). In terms of other pass-blocking metrics, Zeitler allowed just four sacks and 16 pressures on 590 pass-blocking snaps.
The Chargers need a player they can rely on consistently to perform well in order to protect Herbert and pave lanes in the run game so offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel can use his creativity in both the run game and the pass game.
Looking at last season's performance, Zeitler could very well be that player the Chargers can rely on and perfectly compliment the rest of the offensive line. When looking at Awosika, Slaughter, and Taylor at left guard they are all very tight in terms of who is winning the job, but signing a player like Zeitler would most likely end the competition and insert him as the starter.
While it does seem late in the process to sign Zeiter, the Chargers are in a position where they need a solid offensive line and cannot afford to have any lapses up front.
This potential signing could also benefit the Chargers for a few different reasons. The first reason is that it gives this team more depth overall on the interior at both right guard and left guard. Additionally, this may allow Slaughter to be a solid, versatile piece on the interior to help Los Angeles adjust if there are any major injuries.
Heading into the preseason, it seems likely that the Chargers will play Awosika, Slaughter, and Taylor to truly determine who will be the starter. However, if head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel are still on the fence about naming a starter at left guard after the preseason concludes, signing a veteran like Zeitler could be on the table to help Los Angeles fill out the offensive line.
