.jpg)
3 hours ago
3
The Los Angeles Chargers waited until the final moments before the NFL trade deadline passed before announcing two moves. The bigger of those two deals allowed the team to acquire yet another offensive tackle.
It has been an adventure for the Chargers along the offensive line this season, and not a good one. Rashawn Slater, fresh off signing a new contract extension, was lost for the season on this play in training camp. Second-year tackle, and the No. 5 overall pick in last year's draft, Joe Alt, was moved from right tackle to left tackle.
Alt went down with an ankle injury and had to be carted off the field earlier this season. He missed Weeks 5, 6 and 7 before returning to the lineup, but this past Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, he went down with another ankle injury. This one will keep him out for the rest of the season.
The Chargers have also dealt with nagging injuries to free-agent signing Mekhi Becton while having Trey Pipkins, the team's swing tackle, who has been thrust into the starting lineup, deal with setbacks as well. The Chargers traded for Austin Deculus, brought back Foster Sarell and signed journeyman Bobby Hart (who was also hurt on Sunday), looking for something, anything, to help the offensive line.
Nothing has worked very well.
On Tuesday, with only minutes remaining before the trade deadline expired, it was announced that the Chargers had acquired Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints.
Daniel Chavkin of The Sporting News ranked each of the moves that were made before the deadline. Of the 10 on his list, he put the trade for Penning at No. 8.
It's a move that many may not be excited about, but the Chargers didn't give up much to get him, sending the Saints a sixth-round pick in 2027. While Penning has not lived up to the first-round hype he created for himself heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, fans should still appreciate the team taking a shot here because if Penning can offer himself as a serviceable starter over the likes of Hart and Deculus, then this is a good move.
The Chargers are 6-3 and right in the thick of the playoff chase. The team is looking for a competent level of offensive line play in order for Justin Herbert and company to still have a chance at a run this year. It's a solid move for the team, and one that deserves a letter grade that reflects it.
Trade:
Chargers receive: OT Trevor Penning
Saints receive: 2027 6th-round pick
Grade: B+
In the other move made by the team, the Chargers dumped defensive back Ja'Sir Taylor, sending him to the New York Jets for a conditional pick in 2028. Taylor is a player who just fell out of favor in L.A. and the team getting anything for him at this point should be seen as a small victory.
The Chargers have some young defensive backs on the practice squad (Myles Purchase, Isas Waxter) who could get some additional chances this season but both Deane Leonard and Eric Rogers have a chance to return from injured reserve and could play a factor as well.
It was time for Taylor to move on.
Trade:
Chargers receive: Conditional 2028 7th-round pick
Jets receive: DB Ja'Sir Taylor
Grade: C
More Chargers Content
Los Angeles Chargers continually predicted to add 24-TD running back at trade deadline
3 moves Los Angeles Chargers need to consider leading into NFL trade deadline
NFL Picks, Predictions Week 9: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans
Los Angeles Chargers get their running back in predicted trade with NFC South team
Los Angeles Chargers have 3 big winners, just one loser from win on 'Thursday Night Football'
English (US)