Roster Moves Strengthen the Los Angeles Chargers' Offensive Line

The Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line has undergone a dramatic transformation this season, thanks to a series of targeted roster moves that have turned a once-unreliable unit into a cornerstone of the team’s success. After allowing 49 sacks (28th in the NFL) and averaging just 3.4 yards per rushing attempt (27th) in 2023, the Chargers’ front office made revamping the offensive line a top priority in the offseason and midseason. From signing veteran free agents to promoting young talent and making a key trade, each move was designed to improve pass protection for Justin Herbert and create running lanes for Austin Ekeler. The results have been striking: through 14 games, the Chargers have allowed just 23 sacks (8th in the NFL) and boosted their rushing average to 4.2 yards per attempt (12th). Roster Moves Strengthen the Los Angeles Chargers' Offensive Line breaks down the most impactful transactions, how they filled critical gaps, and why they’ve been essential to the team’s 10-4 start.

Roster Moves Strengthen the Los Angeles Chargers' Offensive Line begins with the Chargers’ biggest offseason signing: veteran left tackle Trent Williams to a two-year, $44 million deal. Williams, a 10-time Pro Bowler and former San Francisco 49er, was widely regarded as the top offensive lineman available in free agency—and for good reason. Over the past three seasons, he had allowed just 7 sacks and graded out as the NFL’s highest-rated tackle by Pro Football Focus (91.2 overall). For the Chargers, who had cycled through three left tackles in 2023 (all of whom allowed 5+ sacks), Williams was a transformative addition. He immediately stabilized the blindside, protecting Herbert’s back and allowing the quarterback to hold the ball longer to find deep receivers. “Trent is a game-changer,” said Herbert after the Chargers’ Week 3 win over the Vikings, where Williams didn’t allow a single pressure. “Having him out there gives you confidence—you know he’s going to shut down whoever he’s blocking, and you can focus on making plays.” Beyond his on-field performance, Williams has also served as a mentor to young linemen, hosting weekly film sessions to teach technique and game preparation.

Roster Moves Strengthen the Los Angeles Chargers' Offensive Line next delves into the midseason trade that addressed the team’s biggest remaining gap: right guard. In October, the Chargers sent a 2025 fourth-round draft pick to the Cleveland Browns for guard Wyatt Teller, a two-time Pro Bowler who had spent five seasons in Cleveland. Teller, known for his physical run-blocking and consistency (he allowed just 2 sacks in 2023), was a perfect fit for the Chargers’ zone-blocking scheme. His arrival came at a critical time: starting right guard Zion Johnson had suffered a knee injury, and backup Brenden Jaimes had struggled to fill his shoes (allowing 4 sacks in three starts). Teller stepped into the lineup immediately, starting 10 games and allowing just 1 sack while helping the Chargers’ rushing attack average 4.8 yards per attempt in those contests. A standout performance came in Week 10 against the Chiefs, where Teller paved the way for Ekeler’s 112-yard rushing day by blowing open holes in the Chiefs’ defensive line. “Wyatt is exactly what we needed,” said offensive line coach Pat Meyer. “He’s tough, he’s smart, and he fits our system perfectly. The trade was a little risky, but it’s paid off in a big way—our run game hasn’t been this consistent in years.”

Roster Moves Strengthen the Los Angeles Chargers' Offensive Line also highlights the Chargers’ success in promoting young talent from their practice squad, which has added depth and flexibility. The most notable promotion was that of center Corey Linsley Jr., the son of former Packers and Chargers center Corey Linsley Sr. A 2024 undrafted free agent out of Ohio State, Linsley Jr. spent the first six weeks of the season on the practice squad, impressing coaches with his football IQ and quickness. When starting center Josh Harris suffered a concussion in Week 7, Linsley Jr. was promoted to the active roster and made his first career start against the Broncos. He didn’t disappoint: he snapped perfectly on all 62 offensive plays, allowed zero pressures, and helped the Chargers rush for 135 yards. Since then, he’s served as a reliable backup, playing in 8 games and even rotating in on short-yardage situations. For the Los Angeles Chargers, promoting Linsley Jr. wasn’t just a depth move—it was an investment in the future. “Corey has all the tools to be a long-term starter in this league,” Meyer said. “He’s learned from the best (his dad and Trent Williams), and he’s proven he can perform when called upon. Practice squad promotions like this are what keep good teams competitive deep into the season.”

Another layer of Roster Moves Strengthen the Los Angeles Chargers' Offensive Line is the team’s decision to re-sign veteran backup tackle Storm Norton to a one-year deal. Norton, who had played for the Chargers from 2021 to 2023 before signing with the Lions in free agency, returned to Los Angeles in September after being waived by Detroit. His familiarity with the Chargers’ system and ability to play both tackle positions made him a valuable addition to the depth chart. When Trent Williams missed Week 12 with a minor ankle injury, Norton stepped in at left tackle and held his own against the Bills’ pass rush (allowing just 1 pressure in 58 snaps). He also filled in at right tackle for two games when starter Trey Pipkins III was sidelined with a knee issue, showing his versatility. “Storm is the kind of player every team needs,” said head coach Jim Harbaugh. “He’s not a starter, but he can play like one when you need him. Having that kind of depth at tackle—especially with how physical the AFC West is—has been crucial for us. Re-signing him was one of the smartest moves we made this season.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Norton’s return has provided peace of mind: they no longer have to worry about a single injury derailing their offensive line, as he can step in at either tackle spot and perform at a high level.

Roster Moves Strengthen the Los Angeles Chargers' Offensive Line wraps up with the long-term impact of these moves and their role in the Chargers’ playoff aspirations. By investing in proven veterans (Williams, Teller) and developing young talent (Linsley Jr.), the Chargers have built an offensive line that can compete with the NFL’s top defenses—including the Chiefs’ Chris Jones and the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson-led rushing attack. This stability has allowed Herbert to thrive (he’s thrown for 3,800 yards and 27 touchdowns with just 7 interceptions) and Ekeler to return to form (890 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns). As the Chargers push for the AFC West title and a deep playoff run, their offensive line will be a key differentiator—especially in the postseason, where physicality and consistency often determine success. Analysts have taken notice: Pro Football Focus now ranks the Chargers’ offensive line as the 6th-best in the NFL, up from 29th in 2023. “This offensive line isn’t just good—it’s elite,” said NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger. “The Chargers made the right moves to fix their biggest weakness, and now they have a unit that can carry them to a Super Bowl.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, these roster moves are more than just transactions—they’re a testament to the front office’s vision and commitment to building a championship-caliber team. As the regular season winds down and the playoffs begin, the Chargers’ offensive line will continue to be the foundation of their success, proving that smart roster building can turn a liability into a strength.