The Chargers enter the 2026 offseason with one clear priority: strengthening the offensive line to protect quarterback Justin Herbert. With left guard Zion Johnson set to become a free agent and right guard Mekhi Becton a possible candidate to be waived, there could be significant turnover on the interior.
So far, here are the top five guard free-agent fits for the Bolts:
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Note: All contract projections courtesy of Daniel Popper of The Athletic
Isaac Semalo
Seumalo, 33, is finishing up his 10th NFL season, a productive one with the Steelers. According to ESPN, his 97.3 percent pass-rush win rate ranked second among 65 qualifying backs, and his 76.9 percent run-block win rate ranked fourth. Semalo is a perfect fit for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s system as he excels not only in gap schemes but also in zone schemes. He also has the ability to play at left back and right back. Seumalo brings valuable experience, including a Super Bowl title with the Eagles before joining Pittsburgh in 2023.
Contract Forecast: 2 years, $28 million
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David Edwards
Edwards, 28, is coming off a career-best 2025 season with the Bills, where he established himself as one of the best pass-blocking backs in the league. His 75.0 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked 14th among 81 qualifying backs. Edwards played more than 1,000 snaps for the second straight year and has playoff experience, including a Super Bowl title with the Rams.
Contract Forecast: 2 years, $22 million
Dalton Risner
Risner, 31, is coming off a solid 2025 season with the Bengals, where he posted a 71.5 pass-blocking grade (17th among linebackers). In 503 pass-blocking snaps, he had just two sacks and 17 pressures. Risner also possesses a physical and violent running back style and the versatility to play at both guard positions.
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Contract Forecast: 2 years, $14 million
Aliyah Vera-Tucker
Vera Tucker is recovering from a season-ending injury. He has also been hampered by other injuries that have limited him (in 2022 and 2023). However, when healthy, the former first-round pick is a quality player. In 2024, he had a career-high 77.7 PFF overall grade, ninth-best in the NFL. That same year, Vera-Tucker ranked above the 90th percentile in PFF pass-blocking grade (71.6) and positive-rated run percentage (17.6 percent) among true passing units. Vera Tucker deserves a flight.
Contract Forecast: 1 year, $3 million
Joel Bitonio
Bitonio is no longer young, turning 35 this season and considering retirement, but he is durable and remains one of the best interior offensive linemen in the league. After the 2025 season, Bitonio ranks as the eighth-best passing back at PFF. His PFF run blocking grade also ranked in the 91st percentile over the past three seasons. It’s also worth noting that McDaniel joined the Browns in 2014, Bitonio’s first season in Cleveland.
Contract Forecast: 1 year, $6.5 million
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 5 free agent linebackers Chargers should consider signing