​The Los Angeles Chargers recently added Cole Strange to their squad on a two-year contract, and the move is drawing varying opinions as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The Chargers, who have been deliberate in free agency, aimed to shore up key positions along the offensive line. They signed Tyler Biadasz to a $30 million deal to fill the center spot, replacing Bradley Bozeman, who graded as the worst center in the 2025 season according to Pro Football Focus. Despite these changes, guard play remains a concern for LA.
Strange, who previously played under Mike McDaniel with the Miami Dolphins, joined the Chargers to help solidify the right guard position. However, not everyone is convinced he’ll be the right long-term answer. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report has predicted that Strange could struggle in 2026, suggesting that his pass protection might be a recurring issue. Moton noted that Strange registered 21 pressures and two sacks on 451 pass-blocking snaps, and he reminded readers that Strange was a first-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022 who hasn’t yet delivered consistent, high-level performance. The analyst argued that the Chargers overpaid for Strange on a two-year, $13 million deal and posited that his starting job could be precarious if he doesn’t show significant improvement, potentially keeping veteran issues in check or allowing Trevor Penning, a 2022 first-rounder who has faced his own development hurdles, to see the field.
Strange’s 2022 draft status has been a point of contention for some observers. In Miami, he posted a 54.9 overall grade, with a 42.2 pass-blocking grade and a 57 rushing-grade, reflecting a mix of solid run-blocking traits but limited success in pass protection during his lone season with the Dolphins. As he heads into camp with the Chargers, the starting guard role is up for grabs, and the stakes are high for Strange to prove he can protect quarterback Justin Herbert and contribute to a more balanced offensive line.
On the coaching side, Strange has already begun to receive encouragement from the Chargers’ staff. Offensive line coach Butch Barry highlighted the traits that make Strange an attractive fit for the scheme. Barry noted that there are “a lot of good things athletically” about Strange that align with what the team wants from its blockers. He emphasized that Strange’s athleticism and fit for the offensive system under McDaniel are positive indicators for his potential impact in Los Angeles. The Chargers’ confidence in Strange’s fit within their offensive framework is clear, even as analysts and fans watch to see how he translates potential into consistent performance on game days.
As training camp approaches, the pressure is on Cole Strange to prove he can secure and maintain a starting guard role. If he can deliver solid pass protection and contribute effectively in the run game, he could become a valuable asset for a Chargers team that is keen on protecting Herbert and improving overall offensive efficiency. The coming weeks will determine whether Strange evolves into a dependable guard for the Chargers or whether the expectations surrounding his two-year deal will fade if his play fails to rise to the level anticipated by the team and its supporters.