With the May 1 deadline for NFL teams to decide whether to pick up fifth-year options of 2022 first-round picks nearing, the Los Angeles Chargers are still undecided about guard Zion Johnson. 

Johnson has been reliable and consistent for the Chargers. As a rookie, he started in all 17 games at right guard and, in 2023, moved to his natural position from his time at Boston College, playing left guard, where he started in 15 games. He did the same this past season, starting in all 17 games. 

This past season, Johnson allowed five sacks, gave up 13 quarterback hits, and allowed 33 total pressures, ranking 121st out of 136 guards in the NFL. 

Pro Football Focus graded his 2024 season with a passing blocking grade of 63.6, which is 61st out of 136 guards, and for his running blocking, a 64.8, which is 55th best out of 136 guards. This gave him an overall grade of 65.7, 47th best out of 136 guards in the NFL. 

Johnson does possess versatility, being able to play both guard positions and even center, a position the Chargers have recently tried Johnson out at. 

Johnson’s agent, Alan Herman from Sportsstars, told The Pulse that the 25-year-old’s longer-term future with the Chargers has not been decided yet.