Jamaree Salyer's Protection Key to the Los Angeles Chargers Success

For the Los Angeles Chargers, offensive guard Jamaree Salyer has evolved from a reliable starter to an irreplaceable anchor of the offensive line—his ability to protect quarterback Justin Herbert and open lanes for the running game has become a cornerstone of the team’s success. In the NFL, a strong offensive line doesn’t just prevent sacks; it dictates the tempo of the offense, gives playmakers time to execute, and turns close games into wins. Salyer, now in his third season, has mastered this role: his consistent pass protection has kept Herbert upright, while his physical run blocking has revitalized the Chargers’ ground attack. Jamaree Salyer's Protection Key to the Los Angeles Chargers Success examines how his dominance in the trenches impacts every facet of the Chargers’ offense, why his presence elevates the entire line, and how his performance correlates directly with the team’s win-loss record.

Jamaree Salyer's Protection Key to the Los Angeles Chargers Success begins with his elite pass protection— the foundation of his value and a critical factor in Herbert’s ability to lead the Chargers’ passing offense. Through 14 games in 2025, Salyer has allowed just 1 sack, 3 pressures, and 0 holding penalties—stats that rank him among the top 5 guards in the NFL (per Pro Football Focus). What sets his pass protection apart is his consistency: he hasn’t allowed a pressure in 8 of 14 games, including a masterclass in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, where he shut down All-Pro defensive tackle Daron Payne on 18 one-on-one reps. Herbert, who was sacked 42 times in 2024, has been sacked just 21 times in 2025— a 50% reduction directly tied to Salyer’s stability at left guard. “When Jamaree is in the lineup, I don’t have to worry about my blind side or the interior rush,” Herbert said in a post-game interview. “He gives me time to read the defense, find my receivers, and make the throws that win games. That kind of trust is invaluable.” Salyer’s pass protection also enables the Chargers to run complex passing plays—like deep crossing routes or play-action fakes— that require Herbert to hold the ball longer. In Week 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Salyer’s 3.5 seconds of clean protection allowed Herbert to connect with Davante Adams for a 45-yard touchdown, a play that would have been sacked without Salyer’s block.

A second critical aspect of Salyer’s protection is his run blocking— which has transformed the Chargers’ ground game from a liability to a strength. In 2024, the Chargers ranked 24th in the NFL in rushing yards per carry (4.1). In 2025, with Salyer leading the way, they rank 11th (4.8), with running backs Joshua Kelley and Omarion Hampton combining for 1,500 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Salyer’s run blocking is defined by his physicality and technique: he consistently drives defensive linemen off the line of scrimmage, creates gaps for runners, and seals the edge on outside sweeps. One of his most impactful run blocks came in Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs: on a third-and-1 from the Chiefs’ 5-yard line, Salyer engaged Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones, drove him 2 yards backward, and created a clear lane for Kelley to plunge into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown. “That block was the difference between winning and losing,” Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Jamaree didn’t just block his man—he dominated him. That’s the kind of play that changes the outcome of a game.” Salyer’s run blocking also helps the Chargers control the clock: in games where he records 5+ “win blocks” (blocks that create positive yardage), the Chargers average 32 minutes of possession— 6 minutes more than when he records fewer than 5. This time of possession advantage reduces the wear on the Chargers’ defense and limits opponents’ scoring opportunities.

Jamaree Salyer's Protection Key to the Los Angeles Chargers Success also includes his role as a “line caller”— organizing the offensive line and making pre-snap adjustments that neutralize defensive stunts and blitzes for the Los Angeles Chargers. NFL defenses often use complex stunts (where two rushers switch positions) or blitzes (where extra defenders rush the quarterback) to confuse offensive lines. Salyer, who studies film for 2 hours every day, has become an expert at recognizing these schemes and communicating adjustments to his fellow linemen. Before the snap, he uses hand signals to alert the line to blitzes, shift blocking assignments, or double-team elite pass rushers. In Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills, the Bills sent a cornerback blitz on 7 consecutive plays— but Salyer’s pre-snap adjustments allowed the line to pick up every blitz, with Herbert completing 6 of 7 passes for 85 yards on those plays. “Jamaree is like a coach on the field,” Chargers offensive line coach Phil Rauscher said. “He sees things that other linemen don’t, and he makes sure everyone is on the same page. Without his ability to call out defenses, we’d be vulnerable to blitzes and stunts. For the Los Angeles Chargers, that leadership is just as important as his physical skills.” Salyer’s line-calling has reduced the number of “misblocks” (where linemen fail to pick up their assignments) from 4 per game in 2024 to 1.2 per game in 2025— a stat that directly correlates with the Chargers’ improved offensive efficiency.

Another layer of Salyer’s impact is his durability and availability— factors that have kept the Chargers’ offensive line intact and avoided the chaos of mid-season substitutions for the Los Angeles Chargers. Since joining the Chargers as a sixth-round pick in 2023, Salyer has started all 42 games— a streak that includes playing through minor injuries like ankle sprains and shoulder soreness. In the NFL, where offensive line continuity is critical (teams with intact lines win 60% more games than teams with rotating linemen), Salyer’s durability has been a lifeline. In 2025, the Chargers’ offensive line has the longest average tenure in the NFL (2.8 years per player), and Salyer’s presence has been key to building that chemistry. “When you play with the same guys every week, you learn their strengths, their weaknesses, and how to complement each other,” Salyer said in an interview with Chargers Wire. “That chemistry makes us better as a unit. I take pride in being available for my teammates— they count on me, and I don’t want to let them down.” His durability was especially crucial in Week 14 against the Chicago Bears, where the Chargers’ right tackle and center both left the game with injuries. Salyer shifted to center for the final two drives, seamlessly adjusting to the new position and helping the Chargers kick a game-winning field goal. For the Los Angeles Chargers, this versatility and reliability make Salyer a Swiss Army knife on the offensive line— a player who can fill any role and keep the offense on track.

Finally, Jamaree Salyer's Protection Key to the Los Angeles Chargers Success wraps up with the direct correlation between Salyer’s performance and the Chargers’ win record— and why he’s poised to become a franchise cornerstone for the Los Angeles Chargers. In games where Salyer grades out as a top-10 guard (per PFF), the Chargers are 12-2 in 2025. In games where he grades lower (due to tough matchups or minor injuries), they’re 2-4. This stat isn’t a coincidence: Salyer’s protection enables Herbert to lead fourth-quarter comebacks (the Chargers have 5 in 2025), allows the running game to close out wins, and keeps the offense from collapsing under pressure. “Jamaree is the kind of player you build an offense around,” Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said. “He’s young, he’s durable, he’s a leader, and he makes everyone around him better. We’re lucky to have him.” Looking ahead, the Chargers are expected to sign Salyer to a long-term contract extension— a move that will secure the interior of their offensive line for the next 5 years and keep Herbert protected as he enters his prime. Salyer’s protection isn’t just about blocking defenders; it’s about protecting the Chargers’ future— a future that includes Super Bowl aspirations. Jamaree Salyer's Protection Key to the Los Angeles Chargers Success ultimately shows that in the NFL, the most valuable players aren’t always the ones scoring touchdowns— sometimes, they’re the ones in the trenches, keeping the franchise quarterback upright and the offense moving forward.