Los Angeles Chargers
· 2026-07-11
The Los Angeles Chargers sit 7th in the AFC with an 11-6 record and a two-game losing streak, but their offensive line remains a major question mark. New guard Cole Strange, signed to a two-year, $13 million deal, is already drawing a bold bust prediction from one NFL analyst.
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton predicts Strange will flop for the Chargers in 2026. Moton wrote that Strange's "shaky pass protection may cost him his starting job this year."
Strange allowed 21 pressures and two sacks over 451 pass-blocking snaps last season, per Pro Football Focus. His overall grade was 54.9, with a 42.2 pass-block mark and a 57.0 run-block grade.
Justin Herbert was sacked 54 times in 2025 — third-most in the NFL. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is switching the scheme to protect him better.
But the guard spots are a worry. The Chargers let Zion Johnson walk and signed Strange, who played under McDaniel in Miami. Moton argues they overpaid for a subpar guard.
Strange was a first-round reach by the Patriots in 2022. Now he's competing with Trevor Penning, another disappointing first-rounder, for the starting right guard job.
Offensive line coach Butch Barry likes what he sees. "There's a lot of good things athletically that fit what we want," Barry said.
Barry noted Strange understands the system and helps communication. "He wants to be here," Barry added.
Strange himself said he wanted consistency with McDaniel's offense. That's why he signed with LA.
Training camp will decide if Strange keeps the starting job. He needs a strong camp to prove he can protect Herbert.
The Chargers next face the Arizona Cardinals on September 13, 2026. That game will be an early test for the revamped O-line.
If Strange struggles, the Chargers could turn to Penning or another option. For now, the $13 million man has something to prove.