Los Angeles Chargers Acquire Austin Deculus in Offensive Line Trade

The Los Angeles Chargers have addressed significant depth concerns on their offensive line by trading for offensive tackle Austin Deculus from the Houston Texans, giving up a conditional seventh-round pick in 2027. This move comes after a season-ending injury to All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater and health issues impacting Mekhi Becton, leaving the Chargers with a thin offensive line roster of only eight players. Deculus, a 26-year-old LSU record-holder for most games played, has limited NFL experience with 15 games played and 2 starts, but the Chargers value his potential as a swing tackle behind Jamaree Salyer. The team released veteran David Sharpe and rookie Branson Taylor to make room for Deculus, indicating confidence in his abilities despite limited playing time. Additionally, running back Najee Harris was moved from the non-football injury list to the active roster, signaling the Chargers' optimism in his recovery and intention to reintegrate him cautiously into the backfield rotation. Overall, these roster moves underscore the Chargers' efforts to stabilize key positions amid injury challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season.