The Los Angeles Chargers have been on a rollercoaster lately. Between Najee Harris, Mike Williams, and now Rashawn Slater, the franchise is running into some landmines on the injury front.
However, they’ve also managed to drum up excitement by bringing back Keenan Allen on a one-year deal.
That said, it’s hard to ignore the sudden loss of Slater shortly after the Chargers went all-in on the tackle, signing him to a league-leading four-year, $113 million deal per ESPN.
Now, just like with adding Allen in the wake of losing Williams, the Chargers will likely need to find a replacement in short order. Unfortunately, there isn’t a solution quite as fitting as Allen waiting in the wings, and the Chargers could need to get creative.
Coach Jim Harbaugh told the media on Friday, “We are going to work some guys out and figure out who is the best for that job…Could be a swing tackle.”
Here’s a look at who the team can consider.
Potential Out-Of-House Options For Los Angeles Chargers
Brandon Scherff, Free Agent
One potential route would be looking to repurpose a guard into a tackle. Brandon Scherff is available and boasts impressive statistics considering his availability.
Scherff boasted a 74.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2024, which was 19th among all guards. He also played more than 1,000 snaps and didn’t allow a sack. There are no guarantees he will work as well at tackle, but at this point, the Chargers almost have to pick up the phone.
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This also gives them more depth if they decide to move Jamaree Salyer to tackle or start Trey Pipkins III on the right or left side.
Dalton Risner, Free Agent
Dalton Risner has plenty of experience facing AFC West teams as a former member of the Denver Broncos. As such, he would seemingly be a player who would be a better fit than many free agents, despite his status as a guard.
As a 30-year-old free agent, it likely wouldn’t cost the Chargers much to experiment with Risner, who might work as a backup first this preseason to get up to speed.
Risner didn’t allow a sack or get charged with a penalty in nearly 550 snaps of action in 2024.
Shaq Mason, Free Agent
Unfortunately for the Chargers, there is a very limited selection of tackles on the open market. As such, going with a guard transitioned to tackle is perhaps the best option available, and former Houston Texans tackle Shaq Mason fits the bill.
Mason has a relatively level skillset with the ability to run block with average ability and pass block slightly better, per his PFF scores. However, he also played 931 snaps in 2024, so he seems reliable.
George Fant, Free Agent
If the Chargers are hellbent on avoiding any guard-tackle experiments, they can go with George Fant. The former member of the Seattle Seahawks has played in 18 games since the start of the 2023 season, so he has significant, recent experience at playing right tackle. This would make him likely the best free agent option for the Chargers.
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However, Fant struggled protecting on pass plays with a PFF grade dipping to 44.7 in 2024. His run blocking was solid with a 68.2 grade, which would line up with Jim Harbaugh’s interests in running the football.
That said, the question is whether it’s worth giving Justin Herbert extra pressure in exchange.
Blake Freeland, Indianapolis Colts (Trade)
The Chargers could seek a trade, but unless they’re willing to carve up their roster or their draft capital in a significant way, their options will be limited. However, getting a backup tackle from a franchise in a different division with a reputation for developing quality offensive linemen could be an option.
If he could be had for cheap, the Chargers could invest in getting tackle Blake Freeland, who at just 24 years old could be a future swing tackle for the team beyond 2025.
He had a very limited sample size in 2024 with just 23 plays, but managed to avoid getting the doors blown off with grades above 54.3 in pass blocking, run blocking, and overall grade.
If he can be coached up quickly, it could be the best value move, but it’s also the most risky.