NFL Trade Rumors: Justin Herbert’s Los Angeles Chargers anticipated for $107M Tennessee Titans guard

ESPN’s Kris Rhim reports that the Los Angeles Chargers need to add depth and competition to the new set of guards at the franchise. Their old set no longer exists. With the release of Mekhi Becton and the loss of Zion Johnson to the Cleveland Browns.Their new set comprises Cole Strange, who played for the Miami Dolphins last season and who will reunite with his former Miami head coach and current offensive coordinator in Los Angeles.They brought back Trevor Penning midseason, who will play guard. But still, there is a need for depth and competition in this new set. Enter: Kevin Zeitler. Provided he is still on the market. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell reports that the Tennessee Titans guard would be a no-brainer veteran addition to the Chargers.

How so? Let’s chalk it out.

Titans guard Kevin Zeitler projected for Justin Herbert-led Chargers

Barnwell suggests Zeitler for Los Angeles. But he wants them to add the guard after June 1. Reasons? Chargers GM Joe Hortiz may want to prioritize protecting a valuable 2027 third-round compensatory pick earned after losing defensive end Odafe Oweh to the Washington Commanders this offseason.The Commanders signed Oweh to a $100M contract for four years, while the Chargers have to wait until June 1 to make any major signings, since it locks the compensatory formula.

They could sign Zeitler after June 1. Or if they lose him to another franchise from now to June 1, they may have to look for cheaper guard options during training camp cuts [which again becomes dicey and unpredictable as to who would be cut and available].The Athletic’s Daniel Popper also projects Tennessee guard as a starting guard for Los Angeles. He is one of the options left in free agency. Cole Strange may play right guard.

Trevor Penning is the starting left guard. But heading into the draft with the offensive line in its current state would be a mistake. Anyhow, other analysts also suggest Los Angeles needs to fill the hole in its offensive line. In fact, one suggested back in 2025.

Tennessee G Kevin Zeitler can strengthen offensive line for Los Angeles

Back in March 2025, Bolt Beat’s Jason Reed urged the Jim Harbaugh-led Chargers to sign Kevin Zeitler. Los Angeles entered the 2025 offseason with Bradley Bozeman at center, Trey Pipkins at right guard, and Zion Johnson at left guard.

The scenario is different for the 2026 free agency. Bozeman has retired, Pipkins shifted to right tackle, and Johnson left for Cleveland. Anyhow, back then, Reed suggested Zeitler as offensive line help. Chargers GM Joe Hortiz is familiar with the veteran guard from their time with the Baltimore Ravens [2021-2023]. The Titans guard spent three seasons with John Harbaugh’s Ravens. According to Spotrac, the 36-year-old guard is projected to sign a one-year, $9.2M contract, which will give him an average annual income of $9.2M. His total career earnings over 14 years in the NFL are $101M. And Spotrac shows his career earnings through 2026 as $107M.Will he be signed post June 1? Or will Justin Herbert’s Chargers lose him to some other franchise? Only time will tell…