The Chargers opted for one major move to beef up their offensive line this offseason, signing Mekhi Becton to take over for Trey Pipkins III at right guard. But, there’s still uncertainty along their interior offensive line.
Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman continue to battle for the center and left guard spots. With that uncertainty still looming, Johnson is one of six players entering a “make-or-break” season this year, writes Bleacher Report‘s Damian Parson.
Chargers Hoping a Position Battle Could Revitalize Johnson’s Career
The Chargers’ position battles at center and left guard may be the two most consequential that the team will face for several years to come. LA declined Johnson’s fifth-year option on May 1, but Bozeman hasn’t played center since 2020 in Baltimore, so the Chargers would likely prefer to slide Johnson over.
Had LA decided to pick up Johnson’s option, it would have cost them $17.56 million, putting him in the top 10 among all interior offensive linemen for 2025, according to Over The Cap. That’s a steep price to pay for a player that hasn’t lived up to expectations so far.
“The 25-year-old has struggled to protect star quarterback Justin Herbert,” writes Parson. “According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson has surrendered 112 pressures, 67 hurries, 29 QB hits and 16 sacks. This is not the stat line of a top-20 draft pick and long-term starter.”
Even though Johnson earned the highest PFF grade (65.7) of his career in 2024, the 4th-year lineman still struggled mightily compared to the rest of the league’s guards. He earned just above average PFF grades in pass blocking (63.6) and run blocking (64.8), but surrendered 5 sacks, 13 hits and 33 pressures, all ranking in bottom 20 at the position.
While he “flashed good moments,” the Chargers will be looking for more consistency out of Johnson. LA will focus on dominating in the trenches this season, so they will need him to open up running lanes for veteran running back Najee Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton.
LA Could Consider a Multi-Year Extension, Thanks to Ample Cap Space
While the Chargers will be banking on Johnson’s progress, their salary cap space will allow them the freedom to take that risk. As it stands right now, LA will have just over $108 million in cap space next for 2026, according to Over The Cap.
As far as offensive lineman contracts go, LA will most certainly prioritize bringing back star left tackle Rashawn Slater. Slater has told reporters that he has “full confidence” that he will reach an agreement on an extension before the start of the season.
But, Johnson will be a player to keep an eye on in 2025, as he looks to play himself into a second contract with the Chargers. Whether he stays at left guard, slides over to center or shares time at each with Bozeman, the fourth-year lineman will need to more consistently display skills like lateral quickness, agility and use of hands.
“If he takes another step forward this year and plays with far more consistency, Johnson will have a case for the Chargers to at least consider a multi-year contract extension,” writes Parson. Contract years are always important, but this one could be “make-or-break” for Johnson.
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