The LA Chargers’ need for reinforcements along the interior offensive line became evident after Justin Herbert took a beating in the AFC Wild Card Round against the Houston Texans’ formidable defensive front. Entering the 2025 season with the same starting offensive line would have been considered a failure.
Following a slow start to free agency, the Chargers took their first step in addressing the issue by signing right guard Mekhi Becton to a two-year deal. Now, they’ve added another key piece, bringing in former Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James.
James was released by the Raiders earlier this offseason after a disappointing 2024 campaign. However, the Chargers are banking on his potential, as he brings four years of starting experience.
While James struggled last season, it came on the heels of his best year in 2023. Though not an All-Pro, he was among the better starting centers in the league that year. In 2024, he allowed 17 total pressures and posted a 97.7 pass-block efficiency rating. For comparison, Bradley Bozeman, who played more snaps, surrendered 30 pressures with a 97.3 efficiency rating. Bozeman ranked 23rd out of 28 qualified centers, while James finished 20th. Despite his down year, James still outperformed Bozeman in pass protection, but Chargers fans will expect him to improve in Los Angeles.
Notably, in 2023, James ranked tied for ninth among 31 qualified centers in pass-block efficiency, proving he is capable of protecting the quarterback at a high level. However, before his breakout 2023 season, he had been more of a middle-tier player.
With the addition of James, the Chargers’ projected offensive line now features Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, James, Becton, and Joe Alt—an upgraded unit with greater potential than last year’s group.
James is expected to be the team’s starting center in Week 1, though he may have to earn the role in training camp. The Chargers clearly value Bozeman, having re-signed him, so James will need to justify his contract with a strong preseason performance.
The hope for the Chargers is that James returns to his 2023 form rather than repeating his 2024 struggles.
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