Trevor Penning Joins the Los Angeles Chargers via Trade

In a move aimed at shoring up their offensive line depth and addressing a longstanding positional need, the Los Angeles Chargers made waves in the NFL this week by acquiring offensive tackle Trevor Penning via a trade with the New Orleans Saints. The deal, which was finalized on Tuesday, sends a 2025 third-round draft pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Chargers to the Saints in exchange for Penning—a former first-round selection (2022, No. 19 overall) who has shown flashes of potential but struggled to secure a consistent starting role in New Orleans. For the Chargers, the trade represents a calculated bet on Penning’s raw talent and upside, as they look to protect quarterback Justin Herbert and strengthen their running game ahead of a critical stretch of the season. Trevor Penning Joins the Los Angeles Chargers via Trade breaks down the details of the deal, Penning’s career trajectory, and why this acquisition could be a game-changer for the Chargers’ playoff aspirations.

Trevor Penning Joins the Los Angeles Chargers via Trade begins with the context behind the Chargers’ pursuit of Penning—a need rooted in their ongoing offensive line struggles this season. Through 14 games, the Chargers have allowed 34 sacks (10th most in the NFL), and their offensive line has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Starting left tackle Rashawn Slater has been solid when healthy but missed three games earlier this season with a knee injury, while right tackle Trey Pipkins III has struggled with pass protection, allowing 7 sacks and 15 quarterback pressures. The Chargers’ front office, led by general manager Tom Telesco, has been vocal about wanting to add depth at tackle, and Penning emerged as a target after the Saints indicated they were open to moving him. “We’ve been monitoring the offensive tackle market for weeks, and Trevor was a player we identified early on as someone who could help our team,” Telesco said in a press conference. “He has the size, strength, and athleticism to be a successful tackle in this league, and we believe our coaching staff can help him reach his full potential. This trade is about improving our team now and for the future.” Penning, who is 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, fits the Chargers’ physical mold for offensive linemen and brings a tenacious playing style that aligns with their identity.

A key part of understanding the trade is Penning’s career so far with the Saints—a tenure marked by highs, lows, and unfulfilled potential. Selected by New Orleans in the first round of the 2022 draft out of Northern Iowa, Penning was expected to compete for a starting tackle spot immediately. However, he missed most of his rookie training camp with a foot injury, which set him back and forced him to play catch-up once the regular season began. In his two seasons with the Saints, Penning appeared in 21 games (starting 12) but struggled with penalties (18 flags in 2023) and consistency in both pass protection and run blocking. The Saints’ decision to trade him came after they signed veteran tackle Ryan Ramczyk to a contract extension and drafted tackle Isaiah Foskey in the 2023 draft, creating a logjam at the position. “Trevor is a talented player, but we felt like a fresh start would be best for both him and our team,” Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. “He has all the tools to be successful, but he needs reps and a chance to grow in a new system. We wish him well in Los Angeles.” Penning’s time in New Orleans also included flashes of brilliance—like a 2023 game against the Atlanta Falcons where he didn’t allow a single pressure and helped pave the way for a 150-yard rushing performance—hinting at the player he could become with the right opportunity.

A critical aspect of Trevor Penning Joins the Los Angeles Chargers via Trade is how Penning fits into the Chargers’ offensive scheme—and the immediate impact he could have on the Los Angeles Chargers’ performance. Chargers offensive line coach Brendan Nugent, who has a reputation for developing young linemen, has already met with Penning to discuss his role, and early indications suggest Penning will initially serve as a swing tackle, backing up both Slater and Pipkins. However, if Penning can quickly adapt to the Chargers’ system and reduce his penalty rate, he could push for a starting spot as early as next season. “Our scheme is built around physicality and technique, and Trevor has the tools to excel in both areas,” Nugent said. “We’ll work with him on refining his footwork and decision-making, but the foundation is there. Having him as a backup gives us much-needed depth, especially with the playoffs approaching. If one of our starters goes down, we feel confident Trevor can step in and get the job done.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Penning’s addition also provides long-term security: Slater is under contract through 2025, but Pipkins is set to become a free agent after this season, and Penning could potentially replace him at right tackle if he develops as expected. This trade isn’t just about fixing a short-term problem—it’s about building a sustainable offensive line for the future.

Another important angle of the trade is the cost for the Chargers—and whether giving up two draft picks was a wise investment for the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers sent a 2025 third-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick to the Saints, a price that some analysts have described as “reasonable” given Penning’s first-round pedigree and age (25). However, others have questioned whether the Chargers should have prioritized other positions, like cornerback or defensive end, with those picks. Telesco defended the cost, noting that draft picks are valuable but so is adding a young player with Penning’s upside. “We believe in Trevor’s potential, and we think the return on investment will be worth it,” Telesco said. “Draft picks are important, but they’re also a means to an end—improving our team. We have a chance to compete for a Super Bowl with Justin Herbert at quarterback, and we need to do everything we can to support him. This trade is part of that effort.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, the cost is also mitigated by their current draft capital: they still hold their 2025 first-round and second-round picks, as well as additional picks in the later rounds. This trade allows them to address a critical position without sacrificing their ability to add talent in future drafts.

Wrapping up Trevor Penning Joins the Los Angeles Chargers via Trade is the broader implications of the move—for Penning’s career, the Chargers’ playoff chances, and the NFL’s trade market. For Penning, this trade represents a fresh start—a chance to escape the pressure of being a first-round pick in New Orleans and prove himself in a new environment. “I’m grateful for the opportunity the Chargers have given me,” Penning said in his first interview with Chargers media. “I know I have work to do, but I’m ready to put in the effort. Playing with a quarterback like Justin Herbert is exciting, and I want to do everything I can to help this team win.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, the trade strengthens their playoff case: they currently hold a 7-8 record and are on the outside looking in at the AFC wildcard spots, but a strong finish to the season could still get them into the post-season. Having Penning as depth on the offensive line gives them more flexibility and reduces the risk of a catastrophic injury derailing their campaign. Beyond this season, the trade also sends a message to Herbert and the rest of the team that the front office is committed to winning now. In a league where patience is often in short supply, the Chargers have made it clear they’re willing to invest in talent to build a contender. Trevor Penning Joins the Los Angeles Chargers via Trade ultimately shows that the NFL’s trade market is alive and well—and that teams are willing to take calculated risks to improve their rosters. Only time will tell if this trade pays off, but for now, the Chargers have added a player with the potential to be a key part of their future.