Chargers sign C Tyler Biadasz in bid to strengthen offensive line

The Chargers found their new center Friday. They filled one of their three expected vacancies on their offensive line by signing ex-Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30-million deal as a replacement for Bradley Bozeman, who retired Feb. 23.

Bozeman started all but one of 34 regular-season games during his two seasons with the Chargers, but it was expected that they would seek an upgrade during the offseason. Bozeman, 28, had one of the lowest rankings at his position in both run and pass blocking.

The Commanders released Biadasz in a cost-saving move last month, which cleared the way for the Chargers to sign him before the start of NFL free agency Wednesday at 1 p.m. (PDT). He reportedly met with the Chicago Bears before deciding to sign with the Chargers.

Biadasz, 28, spent the past two seasons with Washington after playing his first four seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, who picked him in the fourth round of the 2020 draft. Overall, Biadasz started 31 of 34 games with the Commanders and 53 of 61 with the Cowboys.

In addition, Biadasz has started seven playoff games, including the 2024 conference championship game with the Commanders, blocking for quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was named The Associated Press’ offensive rookie of the year at season’s end.

Biadasz also was a Pro Bowl selection in ‘22 with Dallas.

The next order of business for Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz is landing a replacement for right guard Mekhi Becton and possibly left guard Zion Johnson, too. The Chargers released Becton earlier this week after one season and Johnson is a pending unrestricted free agent.

As much as the Chargers would like to re-sign Johnson, he might have priced himself out of their budget with another standout season, his fourth with the team that drafted him in the first round in 2022. He could command a new deal with an average north of $20 million per season.

The Chargers gained a $6 million savings from Bozeman’s retirement plus an additional $9.7 million from releasing Becton before the second season of his two-year, $20-million contract kicked in with the start of the NFL’s new year Wednesday.

In addition to seeking help via free agency, the Chargers are expected to prioritize upgrading their offensive line in the draft April 23-25. The Chargers have five picks in the seven-round draft, including the 22nd selection. Many mock drafts have them picking a lineman in the first round.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was sacked 54 times this past season, the most in his six-season career. Protecting him was one of the reasons the Chargers fired Greg Roman as their offensive coordinator at season’s end and hired ex-Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.