The Chargers’ offensive line crisis just got a dramatic shake-up. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Chargers made a bold move to address the injuries plaguing their offensive front by trading a 2027 sixth-round draft pick to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for offensive lineman Trevor Penning, according to sources speaking to ESPN's Adam Schefter. But here’s where it gets interesting: Penning has already been shuffled across multiple positions in his young career, and this latest change could spark some heated debates among fans and analysts.
Penning, 26, was originally the Saints’ first-round pick, 19th overall, out of Northern Iowa in the 2022 NFL Draft. Initially groomed as a tackle, he was shifted to right tackle in 2024 after New Orleans selected Taliese Fuaga in the first round that year. Penning started all 17 games at right tackle that season, showcasing versatility but also a pattern of constant adjustment. This offseason, with Fuaga moving to right tackle and the drafting of Kelvin Banks Jr. for left tackle, Penning faced yet another position change—this time to left guard. Despite starting six games in that role this season, he missed the first three due to a toe injury and is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
The Chargers had hoped their offensive line would be a pillar of strength in 2025. Instead, it has become a vulnerability due to a string of debilitating injuries. Left tackle Joe Alt recently underwent season-ending right ankle surgery after getting hurt in Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans, adding to a growing list of setbacks. Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a catastrophic patellar tendon rupture in his left knee during training camp, immediately ending his season. Right guard Mekhi Becton, the team’s marquee offseason free-agent signing, has struggled with ongoing injuries, missing Sunday’s game due to a knee problem. Right tackle Bobby Hart also left the Titans game with both groin and ankle injuries, though Coach Jim Harbaugh believes Hart will avoid injured reserve.
In the absence of Alt and Hart on Sunday, the Chargers turned to Trey Pipkins III at right tackle and Jamaree Salyer at left tackle. Clearly, the team is in need of reinforcements across almost every position on the offensive line. However, there’s an intriguing wrinkle with Penning’s arrival: it seems unlikely he’ll slide into the left guard spot, which has been consistently manned by Zion Johnson this season. So where does Penning fit? That’s the question now on every Chargers fan’s mind.
This trade could be a game-changer—or it could spark more debate than solutions. Could Penning finally stabilize an ailing offensive line, or will constant position switches hinder his effectiveness? And what does this mean for the Chargers’ playoff hopes? Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, and opinions are sure to be divided.
ESPN's Katherine Terrell also contributed to this report.
