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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Bradley Bozeman #75 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
On Monday, the Los Angeles Chargers lost a key piece of their offense. Veteran C Bradley Bozeman took to Instagram to announce his retirement from the NFL, per NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
A former sixth-round pick out of Alabama by the Ravens, Bozeman played out his rookie contract in Baltimore before signing with the Panthers in 2022. He played two seasons in Carolina, signing a contract extension before the 2023 season, only to be released the following year. Bozeman spent the last two seasons in Los Angeles with the Chargers.
The Chargers were already going to be looking hard at retooling the interior of their offensive line, but Bozeman’s announcement only amplifies that need. Thankfully, Los Angeles will have some options in the draft and in free agency.
Los Angeles Chargers C Bradley Bozeman’s Retirement Announcement
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 19: Bradley Bozeman #75 of the Los Angeles Chargers signs autographs before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
“After [eight] seasons in the NFL, I’m ready for my next chapter,” Bozeman wrote on Instagram.
“This game has given me so much — lessons, lifelong friendships, and memories my family will carry forever. I’ve poured everything I have into this journey, and I walk away grateful and proud.
“Thank you to every teammate, coach, and fan I was blessed to cross paths with along the way. Thank you to my amazing family who supported me every step of this journey, to my three amazing kids — Brody, Bailey, and Boone — who made every sacrifice worth it, and especially to my unbelievable wife, my ride or die from the very beginning. I couldn’t have done any of this without you!
“Someone once told me, “Every career — no matter how decorated — ends in a trash bag.” The game moves on. Someone fills your spot.
“I’m just thankful God gave me the chance to take the ride.
“On to the next chapter of my life at the farm!
Roll Tide,
-BSB”
What Options Do the Los Angeles Chargers Have to Replace Bozeman?
The big fish in free agency at center is Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum. The former first-round pick is one of the best centers in the league and will have a long list of suitors — if he makes it out of Baltimore. The Giants, helmed now by former Ravens HC John Harbaugh, are also expected to go after Linderbaum.
The Chargers have a few other options in free agency if they don’t want to shell out for Linderbaum, however. Browns C Ethan Pocic, Panthers C Cade Mays, and Bills C Connor McGovern are all experienced starters set to hit free agency. Of those, McGovern is the best of the bunch.
On the other hand, the Chargers will have lots of options in the draft. This is a good center class, with guys like Auburn’s Connor Lew, Florida’s Jake Slaughter, Indiana’s Pat Coogan, Kansas State’s Sam Hecht, and Iowa’s Logan Jones all great options in the second-to-fourth-round range of the draft.
Ethan Woodie is an accomplished sports writer specializing in the NFL and college football for Heavy.com. He’s written for Heavy since 2025 and has years of experience writing for NFL Trade Rumors and Pro Football Focus (PFF). Woodie is an expert in draft scouting and his final 2025 Big Board was included in Arif Hasan’s media consensus board for Wide Left. More about Ethan Woodie
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