According to reports, the Los Angeles Chargers are adding training camp competition for the offensive line after signing Michigan Panthers’ offensive lineman Ryan Nelson of the United Football League.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles #Chargers are signing @USFLPanthers OT Ryan Nelson, per sources. Nelson earned All-#UFL honors this year with Michigan, moving to tackle full-time. Had a strong 77.8 Pass Blocking Grade, via @PFF. One of the most deserved signings this year so far. pic.twitter.com/FuirWX1pni
— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) July 16, 2025AD
Nelson, 25, joins the Chargers after three seasons with Panthers. In 2025, Nelson earned All-UFL honors at offensive tackle, protecting UFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, quarterback Bryce Perkins.
Across the board, Nelson finished the 2025 season as the second-best tackle in the UFL according to PFF, earning a 77.8 pass-block grade, 72.9 run-block grade and 77.5 overall.
Though Nelson played tackle in the UFL, he likely will figure into the guard competition, seeing as both tackle spots are all but solidified in Rashawn Slater and 2024 fifth-overall pick Joe Alt.
The presumed starting guards for the Chargers includes Bradley Bozeman and free agent acquisition Mekhi Becton. The Chargers added three potential guards in undrafted free agency this offseason, drafted rookie Branson Taylor in the sixth-round and incumbent depth Karson Barnhart, an undrafted free agent in 2024.
Giving Nelson a shot seems simple enough, seeing as the current makeup of the depth at guard is a plethora of undrafted talent and a rookie sixth-round pick. It’s also an opportunity to see what development occurs at the UFL level.
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