The LA Chargers are in a position to strengthen their roster this offseason, making strategic moves through free agency. Unlike last year, the team isn’t forced to offload assets just to stay under the salary cap.
However, if the opportunity for a major trade arises, the Chargers have players who could be used as trade pieces. One name, in particular, has emerged as a potential trade asset.
Pro Football Focus recently analyzed each NFL team’s top trade asset, and the choice for the Chargers might come as a surprise. According to Bradley Locker, 2022 first-round pick Zion Johnson is the most valuable trade chip the Bolts have.
“Los Angeles signed guard Mekhi Becton and center Andre James in free agency, while Bradley Bozeman and Trey Pipkins are each back in the fold,” Locker explained. “Johnson’s 62.5 PFF overall grade leads Chargers guards since 2023, but his fifth-year option will probably get declined — and a trade may ensue.”
Zion Johnson dubbed a trade asset for the Chargers
Locker’s analysis is spot on. The Chargers did sign Mekhi Becton and Andre James while retaining Bradley Bozeman and Trey Pipkins, which adds unexpected depth to the offensive line. No one expected Bozeman and Pipkins to return for 2025, but their presence has created more options than anticipated.
It’s also likely the Chargers won’t exercise Zion Johnson’s fifth-year option, as he hasn’t performed well enough to justify the fully guaranteed salary for 2026. That doesn’t necessarily mean his time with the team will end after 2025, but he will need to prove himself in order to stay.
The Chargers also have a clear path to replacing Johnson on the offensive line. They could start Pipkins and Becton at the guard spots, with James at center and Bozeman as the backup. Depth-wise, they have the pieces to make this configuration work.
However, there’s never such a thing as having too much depth on the offensive line, making the idea of trading Johnson less likely. Offensive line depth is crucial in the NFL, and Chargers fans know how much Jim Harbaugh values it.
The reason the team is keeping Pipkins, who seemed like a cap casualty earlier in the offseason, is because of the flexibility he offers as a swing tackle. If Pipkins were to start at guard, the team would lack a reliable swing tackle.
If the Chargers are willing to pay over $9 million for a swing tackle, it’s unlikely they would trade a recent first-round pick for a deal that wouldn’t bring significant value. While Johnson’s tenure so far has been underwhelming, there’s no reason to give up on his potential for a low-value pick.
At first glance, Johnson may appear to be a trade asset, but a closer look shows that he likely isn’t a true target for a trade.
