Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz held his annual NFL Combine press conference, speaking for 18 minutes and covering a wide range of topics.
Much of the conversation centered on the offensive side of the ball — particularly the offensive line.
Here are some of the most notable takeaways from the session.
Building the Trenches
The press conference opened with a question about center Bradley Bozeman’s retirement.
“It’s been fun to have him around for two years, obviously I was with him in Baltimore,” Hortiz said of Bozeman. The type of competitor, leader and just people they are in the community, to see what he did in Baltimore with his foundation and then carry it out to Carolina and bring it to L.A., just special stuff they’re doing.”
Bozeman’s departure leaves a significant hole in the middle of an offensive line that has struggled along the interior during the Hortiz/Jim Harbaugh era.
There are several moving pieces, beginning at center. Hortiz acknowledged the team is exploring options to find a replacement.
He was asked about Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum but quickly shut down any speculation, despite the shared Ravens history.
“I’m not going to talk about any players under contract with other teams,” Hortiz said. “I’m not going to do it. I’m not going to speak in hypotheticals.”
The Chargers could explore multiple avenues at center, with potential free agents such as Buffalo’s Connor McGovern, New Orleans’ Luke Fortner and Carolina’s Cade Mays expected to be available.
On Linderbaum, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta later said the team has offered their center a “market-setting” deal. It remains to be seen whether Baltimore will ultimately allow him to reach free agency.
At left guard, Zion Johnson is set to hit free agency, though Hortiz said discussions with his representatives are ongoing. The Chargers have established valuation ranges for Johnson and their other pending free agents.
"Yeah, we have a range,” Hortiz said. Not just Zion, but every player, we tag a guy with a range. There's an evaluation and that's what we do. Is it a hard ceiling? No. I don't think you ever place a hard ceiling on a player.
"But you have to pay what you think a player is worth. Or somewhere near that," Hortiz added. "We'll see what happens with Zion, where the market goes, if he gets to the market. We'll stay engaged with him through the process.”
Johnson could command anywhere from $12 million to $20 million annually depending on how aggressive teams become in addressing their offensive line needs.
Ric Tapia - The Sporting Tribune
Zion Johnson #77 of the Los Angeles Chargers blocks during training camp at The Bolt on July 24, 2025 in El Segundo, California.
One of the more disappointing additions of the Hortiz/Harbaugh era has been right guard Mekhi Becton. Injuries limited him to partial appearances, he expressed frustration late in the season and struggled with consistency on the field.
“Those are the things we’ll discuss when we get back Sunday,” Hortiz said. “All the coaches, staff, we’ll meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and we’ll finalize all those plans then.”
When asked whether he could guarantee Becton’s return, Hortiz remained noncommittal.
“I’m not going to talk about that right now,” Hortiz said.
If the Chargers were to release Becton, they would save over $9 million in cap space, funds that could be redirected toward a new right guard or center.
Additionally, several offensive linemen are set to hit free agency, including Jamaree Salyer, Trey Pipkins III, Andre James, Bobby Hart, Austin Deculus and Trevor Penning.
Pass Rush Is Essential
The Chargers face key decisions at edge rusher.
Khalil Mack is once again a free agent and deciding whether to return for a 13th NFL season. He finished with 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 12 games. Beyond the stat sheet, Mack’s leadership and ability to elevate teammates have been vital to the defense.
The team also has Odafe Oweh, whom they acquired a few weeks into the season. He is set to become a free agent in March. Oweh provided a strong impact as a third edge rusher, recording 7.5 sacks in 12 games after failing to register a sack in his first five games with Baltimore. He also added three sacks and two forced fumbles in the Wild Card matchup against New England.
"They know we want them back," Hortiz said. "I think when players go into free agency once the season ends, it takes a little bit of time but we'll keep chipping away at it and see if we can get something done with them."
Having them both return next season would be ideal.
Hortiz added that the team is not currently considering using the franchise tag on any player.
Another name to watch is third-year edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, who is eligible for an extension after a breakout campaign that included 13 sacks and 23 quarterback hits.
Jordon Kelly-The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) celebrates after a sack during a NFL game against the Houston Texans on December 027, 2025 at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
Hortiz said the team has not yet engaged with Tuipulotu’s representatives and is currently prioritizing free agency.
He also acknowledged that maintaining a deep edge room will eventually become costly and he’s comfortable with that.
"I have no problem having a bunch of great edge rushers," Hortiz said Tuesday.
Receiving Room: Return or Reunion?
Beyond the offensive line, the Chargers’ receiving corps is another area under scrutiny, especially given head coach Mike McDaniel’s history of valuing speed at the position, as seen with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in Miami.
That raises the question: where does that leave Keenan Allen?
“I love Keenan,” Hortiz said. “Love him, look what he did for us last year.”
Jessica Cryderman - The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver, Keenan Allen 13, jumps to catch a pass during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, October 19 in Los Angeles, California.
Allen finished with 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns. His 11-catch, 119-yard, one-touchdown performance against Indianapolis in Week 7 was a highlight, though the offense struggled for consistency afterward.
The Chargers currently have Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith on the roster. Whether McDaniel looks to reshape the room in his own vision or sees a pathway for Allen to return remains to be seen.
Hortiz was also asked about McDaniel’s relationship with recently released Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill.
“I’m not going to tip my hand on any players right now,” Hortiz said.
Hill is recovering from a dislocated knee, a torn ACL and additional ligament damage suffered on Sept. 30, 2025. There have been reports he may not be ready until November. Given both the injury timeline and off-field considerations, it would be surprising if the Chargers pursued him.