Chargers: 3 Trai Turner replacements in 2021 NFL Draft

Dec 1, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive guard Trai Turner (70) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers offensive guard Trai Turner (70) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Chargers OL Trai Turner. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Los Angeles Chargers recently cut Pro Bowl right guard Trai Turner. The team tried to trade him before releasing him but the trade value for a player who only played in seven games is nonexistent. Not to mention, Turner was due $11.5 million dollars next season. The move saved the Chargers $11 million dollars in cap space.

Looking back at the trade that sent Russell Okung to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Turner looked promising at the time. Now, the trade was a dud and both sides are going in opposite directions. Protecting young stud Justin Herbert must be the main priority in the offseason.

Chargers should not stop after free agency moves

After signing center Cory Linsley to a five-year, $62.5 million dollar deal, the team has the right idea. Los Angeles also added Matt Feiler in free agency. After watching the Super Bowl in February and seeing Patrick Mahomes running for his life all game, fans should have taken notice of how important protecting your investments under center should be.

Just ask Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals how they’re doing right now. The last thing this team needs is for Herbert to go down with some sort of injury because the front office failed to put protection in front of him.

The 2021 NFL Draft class features some interesting prospects that Tom Telesco should want to get his hands on. Finding gems on draft day will be extremely important. Let’s take a look at three Trai Turner replacements in the 2021 NFL Draft.