Chargers Lose G Zion Johnson to Browns in Free Agency

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The Los Angeles Chargers lost guard Zion Johnson to the Cleveland Browns in free agency on Monday. Johnson reportedly agreed to a three-year, $49.5 million deal that includes $32.4 million guaranteed with the Browns, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Former Chargers G Zion Johnson reached agreement today on a three-year, $49.5 million deal including $32.4 million guaranteed with the Cleveland Browns, per his agents Alan Herman and Jared Fox. pic.twitter.com/295cu8Dh2r

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026

The Chargers drafted Johnson with the No. 17 overall pick in 2022 out of Boston College. He has spent the last three seasons with the franchise and was the team’s starting left guard this season.

Los Angeles and Johnson were ultimately unable to agree on a contract before he hit free agency. Although coach Jim Harbaugh frequently praised Johnson’s toughness on the field, the interior offensive line was one of the Chargers’ biggest weaknesses in 2025.

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Jul 25, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson (77) during training camp press conference at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chargers Will Have A Brand New Interior Offensive Line in 2026​

In addition to losing Johnson in free agency, the Chargers released right guard Mekhi Becton from the roster and lost center Bradley Bozeman to retirement.

Releasing Becton save the Chargers approximately $9.7 million in cap space. The Super Bowl LIX champion dealt with multiple injuries and illness throughout the season, which limited Becton to playing in just 72 percent of snaps in 2025.

The Chargers have already replaced both Becton and Bozeman with two new free agent signings.

Los Angeles signed former Washington Commanders center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal. Then, the Chargers signed former Miami Dolphins guard Cole Strange to a two-year, $13 million contract on Monday, according to Schefter.

Source: Former Dolphins OG Cole Strange reached agreement today on a two-year, $13 million deal with the Chargers, where he now will be reunited with his former head coach Mike McDaniel in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/0NCKCcyQM4

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2026

The Chargers still need to find a replacement for Johnson at right guard.

With new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and a revamped interior offensive line, the Chargers are hopeful that the interior offensive line will be stronger in 2026.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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