The Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears each had their playoff runs end earlier than hoped last season and are looking to come back stronger in 2026. Both teams had exciting offenses, especially the Bears, and it could take only a couple more pieces to potentially have them contending for a Super Bowl. LA, however, edged Chicago in pursuit of center Tyler Biadasz to start its offseason on a strong note.
What did experts around the league say about it?
NFL Experts React to Chargers Signing Tyler Biadasz
The Chargers’ offensive line ranked among the worst in the league in 2025, finishing 31st in pass blocking and 32nd in run blocking, according to Pro Football Focus. Understandably, head coach Jim Harbaugh and company would want to improve on the playoff loss they suffered, where quarterback Justin Herbert was sacked six times.
General manager Joe Hortiz wasted no time going after Biadasz, signing him for $30 million.
The #Chargers make a splash before free agency, agreeing to terms with C Tyler Biadasz on a 3-year deal worth $30M, per The Insiders.
Biadasz was cut by the #Commanders after being set to make $8.3M. Now he lands in LA with a raise in a deal done by @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/EBZs8M6YVl— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2026
Prominent figures around the NFL reacted to the news.
“Visited the #Bears. Had more meetings with teams on the docket but takes a really good deal with the #Chargers after being released recently,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweeted.
Visited the #Bears. Had more meetings with teams on the docket but takes a really good deal with the #Chargers after being released recently. https://t.co/pAYB0u7dYH
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 6, 2026
“This is an awesome signing for the Chargers,” former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz wrote. “Worst center in the league last year. Now get a veteran who will immediately upgrade the position. Also wonder if Linderbaum is too expensive/going to resign with Ravens.”
This is an awesome signing for the Chargers. Worst center in the league last year. Now get a veteran who will immediately upgrade the position.
Also wonder if Linderbaum is too expensive/going to resign with Ravens https://t.co/kpRM6nQMvA— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) March 6, 2026
Herbert took 54 sacks last season, only one short of Geno Smith and Cam Ward, who led the league. The Chargers were bound to prioritize offensive line reinforcements this offseason, and the front office wasted no time getting to work.
“Free agent center market is heating up before free agency,” ESPN’s Courtney Cronin posted. “A Bears target is now off the board.”
Free agent center market is heating up before free agency. A Bears target is now off the board. https://t.co/HwLc3dGKeo
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 6, 2026
“$10M APY makes him the 6th-highest paid center in the NFL,” The Leap’s Peter Bukowski said. “And Tyler Linderbaum will probably get double this. The center market is bizarre.”
$10M APY makes him the 6th-highest paid center in the NFL. And Tyler Linderbaum will probably get double this.
The center market is bizarre. https://t.co/47nfLfdIah
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) March 6, 2026
“The Lions’ FA options at Center are slimming,” Pride of Detroit’s Erik Schlitt noted.
The Lions’ FA options at Center are slimming https://t.co/Ql4cKZr4le
— Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) March 6, 2026
Despite posting a 9-8 record in 2025, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff was among the most sacked players in the NFL. Opposing pass rushes got to him 38 times, the eighth-most in the league, illustrating a clear need this offseason.
With Biadasz set to earn $10 million on average annually, it will be interesting to see what stars like Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum make. The Pro Bowl anchor is a pending free agent this offseason and is expected to command a record-setting contract for a center.
Whether Baltimore can retain him remains to be seen, as Biadasz’s new contract certainly shook up the center market.
