Chargers guard Zion Johnson has been named the best fit for an AFC West rival.
NFL analyst Matt Bowen believes Johnson would make a good fit for the Raiders.
“The Raiders can upgrade their offensive line with Johnson. He’d play the left guard spot in Klint Kubiak’s system, using his mobility in the zone run game. Plus, Johnson’s youth and durability fit the rebuild in Las Vegas. He is just entering his prime playing years, with a 90.7% pass block win rate over his four-year career with the Chargers,” Bowen writes.
Since he was drafted by the team in 2022, the former Boston College product has been a staple of the Chargers’ offensive line. Last May, the Bolts declined to exercise the fifth-year option on Johnson’s contract, and the 2025 season marked the final year of his rookie deal.
Johnson logged over 1,000 snaps with career-best marks in pressures allowed (26) and sacks allowed (3). He ranked second among interior offensive linemen in ESPN’s run-block win rate.
Bowen believes he will begin the next chapter of his career in his first shot at free agency by signing with the Raiders, who also will be looking to improve their offensive line under new head coach Klint Kubiak.
How Much Do the Chargers Have in Cap Space This Offseason?
The Chargers enter the 2026 offseason with financial flexibility as the organization has over $82 million in cap space. The projected range for Johnson’s contract is around $11 million to $15 million per year and the Chargers certainly have the means to meet those terms.
However, the Chargers have several decisions to make on free agents, including Odafe Oweh, Khalil Mack, and several others.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: ESPN analyst says Chargers’ Zion Johnson is ‘best fit’ for rival
Reporting by Valentina Martinez, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
