The Los Angeles Chargers made a quiet move amidst the noise of NFL cutdown day, and it could prove crucial later in the season. On Aug. 26, just minutes before finalized rosters were due, the team acquired offensive tackle Austin Deculus from the Houston Texans.
The terms of the deal are straightforward, and the trade involves little risk for a Chargers team seeking offensive line depth after losing All-Pro tackle Rashawn Slater for the season:
- Chargers receive: OT Austin Deculus
- Texans receive: a 2027 conditional seventh-round pick
The Texans selected Deculus in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft (No. 205 overall). The 26-year-old appeared in 13 regular-season games for Houston and logged two postseason starts. He saw the most action of his career in 2023, playing in seven games and starting one, while helping to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud during his breakout rookie season.
Deculus has bounced around quite a bit over his three NFL seasons. He was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets and signed to the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad before rejoining the Texans in 2024.
Deculus’ Outstanding College Career
Deculus was a four-year starter at LSU from 2017 to 2021. He appeared in 61 games for the Tigers, which is the most by any player in program history.
The six-foot-five-inch tackle was a key contributor on LSU’s 2019 National Championship teamâwidely considered one of the most dominant and star-studded college football teams of the 21st century. He started 13 games that season, all at right tackle.
Deculus blocked for quarterback Joe Burrow on his way to the Heisman Trophy Award and No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He also created plenty of gaps for running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards that season.
In an LSU profile, Deculus was described as a “powerful run blocker who also excels in pass protection,” and a “team leader who helped mentor LSUâs young offensive linemen on and off the field.”
Where Deculus Fits On the Chargers’ Offensive Line
Deculus is one of eight offensive linemen to make the Chargers’ final 53-man roster. The other linemen are: Joe Alt, Mekhi Becton, Bradley Bozeman, Andre James, Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins III, and Jamaree Salyer.
Deculus is not currently projected to start for the Bolts. He’ll likely work in as a rotational lineman and serve as depth should one of the starting tackles (Alt and Pipkins III) get injured.
PFF graded Deculus fairly well last season, albeit in an extremely small sample size. He played just 29 snaps for the Texans in 2024, all at left tackle. His performance ranked 87th out of 140 tackles in 2024. Deculus particularly excelled in pass blocking, ranking 32nd in that area. His run-blocking snaps left something to be desired, ranking 114th. Again, such limited playing time doesn’t project much, but it could be good news for quarterback Justin Herbert.
The Chargers may also be able to use Deculus’ versatility this season. He exclusively played right tackle at LSU but has primarily played left tackle in the NFL. His experience playing on both sides of the offensive line could certainly be an asset.
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