Justin Herbert spent way too much time on the ground in 2025 - more than almost any other quarterback in the league. In fact, only one QB was sacked more.
For a team built around a franchise passer with elite arm talent, that’s a red flag the size of SoFi Stadium. The Los Angeles Chargers know they can’t keep letting Herbert take that kind of punishment, and this offseason gives them a real shot to fix it.
One name that’s starting to gain traction in league circles? Tyler Linderbaum.
The Baltimore Ravens center is expected to hit free agency, and he checks just about every box for what the Chargers desperately need: durability, consistency, and high-level production from the interior of the line. Linderbaum has made the Pro Bowl three times in his first four seasons and missed only one start during that stretch. That kind of availability is gold for a team that’s seen its offensive line depth tested year after year.
At just 25 years old, Linderbaum isn’t just a short-term fix - he’s a potential long-term anchor. He’s played at least 94% of offensive snaps in every season since entering the league and has quietly become one of the most reliable centers in football.
Over the past three years, he’s allowed just two sacks. That’s not a typo - two.
And according to Pro Football Focus' Wins Above Replacement metric, he’s been the second-most valuable center in the NFL since his debut. That’s elite company.
The Chargers’ offensive line woes aren’t a new story, but 2025 took things to another level. Despite having the league’s worst O-line by overall PFF grade, L.A. still managed to sneak into the playoffs.
That’s a testament to Herbert’s toughness and playmaking ability - but it’s not a sustainable formula. Help is on the way with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt returning, but the interior still needs a serious upgrade.
That’s where Linderbaum comes in.
And here’s the kicker: the Chargers have the financial flexibility to make a move like this. They’re projected to have the third-most cap space in the league heading into free agency. That gives them the room to be aggressive - and if they want to maximize Herbert’s prime, now’s the time to invest in the guys protecting him.
New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is taking over in 2026, bringing with him a reputation for creative, quarterback-friendly schemes. But even the best-designed offense won’t work if the line can’t hold up. Adding a player like Linderbaum would be a foundational move - not just for scheme fit, but for the tone it would set in the trenches.
Bottom line: If the Chargers are serious about building a contender around Justin Herbert, shoring up the offensive line has to be priority number one. And Tyler Linderbaum? He might just be the perfect place to start.