Los Angeles Chargers Confront Offensive Line Emergency After Bradley Bozeman's Retirement
An eight-year starter departing in February was not part of the Los Angeles Chargers' offseason blueprint. Bradley Bozeman announced his retirement via Instagram on Monday, concluding his career at age 31 and opening a significant gap in the middle of an offensive line already under intense scrutiny.
Bozeman's Retirement Sends Shockwaves Through Chargers' Plans
Bozeman personally delivered the news, informing his followers that he is "ready for my next chapter" and expressing gratitude, stating, "This game has given me so much, lessons, lifelong friendships, and memories my family will carry forever." His departure follows eight seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Chargers, during which he started at both guard and center after entering the league as a sixth-round pick in 2018.
Los Angeles had signed him in 2024 to bolster the interior line and extended his contract in 2025, but his retirement frees up approximately $6 million in cap space and reopens a critical position protecting quarterback Justin Herbert just as free agency approaches. The timing is particularly impactful given the Chargers' existing line issues: Rashawn Slater missed the entire 2025 season with a torn patellar tendon, Joe Alt ended the year on injured reserve after ankle surgery, and the offensive line was already a focal point in post-season analyses following their wild-card exit.
Chargers' Urgent Search for a New Center
Now, head coach Jim Harbaugh and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel must prioritize finding a center before addressing other needs. Tyler Linderbaum is expected to be a highly discussed free agent if the Ravens allow him to hit the market, with league insiders already linking him to Los Angeles as a natural fit. Whether the Chargers pursue a high-profile acquisition or opt for a more affordable veteran, Bozeman's decision compels the team to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding their franchise quarterback.
Cleveland Browns Fans React to Quarterback Competition Reports
In Cleveland, the offseason narrative shifts from departures to potential arrivals. Mary Kay Cabot reported that the Browns are evaluating Green Bay Packers backup Malik Willis and draft prospect Ty Simpson as options to challenge Shedeur Sanders, sparking immediate reactions from fans on social media.
Fan Backlash and Quarterback Uncertainty
Cabot's report indicates that the Browns have at least two external quarterbacks under consideration: Willis, who showed promise as a backup in Green Bay, and Simpson, a projected first-round pick from Alabama. While this appears to be prudent due diligence for a team that finished 5-12 and already has Deshaun Watson and Dillon Gabriel on the roster, the fanbase responded with skepticism and criticism.
One fan commented, "Don't believe anything MKC says.. she has no clue," while another added, "Mary K is all rumors we don’t listen to her goofy ass." A third summarized the sentiment with, "Stop this nonsense, Cleveland media doesn’t know shit about fuck." This pushback occurs against a backdrop of uncertainty surrounding Sanders, who threw for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns in eight starts, earned a Pro Bowl nod based on name recognition and late-season momentum, but ranked near the bottom in efficiency metrics as the team fell to last place in the AFC North.
Browns' Quarterback Competition Heats Up
New head coach Todd Monken has not provided assurances about Sanders' role, telling reporters the 2026 starter is "still to be determined" and emphasizing that all positions will be open to competition. If the Browns pursue Willis in free agency and use a first-round pick on Simpson, Sanders could face a crowded depth chart including a new veteran, a top rookie, and Watson, a $230 million former franchise quarterback, all vying for playing time.
