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Chargers listed as dark-horse destination for premiere blindside blocker in 2021

gavino borquez
·2 min read

The Chargers did a fine job upgrading the offensive line this offseason with the acquisitions of tackle Bryan Bulaga and guard Trai Turner.

While the right side is solidified for the next couple of seasons, the left side remains a mystery, particularly the left tackle position.

Even though we don’t know how the spot will shape up between Trey Pipkins and Sam Tevi, there’s a good chance that it may not be up to standards.

If the production is underwhelming, Los Angeles could be searching for a new blindside blocker next offseason. One that might interest them is Packers’ David Bakhtiari.

Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski predicted where the biggest free agents of 2021 could sign. Sobleski believes L.A. would be the perfect destination for Bakhtiari.

The Los Angeles Chargers should follow the path that the Los Angeles Rams took when they signed an aging Andrew Whitworth to protect young and developing quarterback Jared Goff. Whitworth provided an anchor up front to stabilize the entire unit. Bakhtiari can do the same with the Chargers, who are going into this year’s training camp with an open competition at left tackle.

Bakhtiari, 28, would reunite with his old offensive line coach, James Campen and former teammate, Bryan Bulaga.

Over the last five seasons, no other offensive tackle had a higher pass-blocking grade than Bakhtiari, per Pro Football Focus. He has made two Pro Bowl appearances and was a first-team All-Pro selection.

If the Chargers want to make sure rookie Justin Herbert optimal protection for years to come (if Pipkins or Tevi are underwhelming this season), their best bet is to invest into premiere left tackle, even if it requires them dishing out a large paycheck.

Bakhtiari would cost quite a bit of money, but he would be worth every penny.