EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – In a flurry of action just before the NFL trade deadline closed on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Chargers made two key moves to strengthen their roster for the playoff push. The Bolts acquired offensive lineman Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints and traded cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor to the New York Jets.

The Chargers announced the deal for Penning, a 26-year-old versatile offensive lineman, in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick. Penning, the 19th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has played multiple roles on the Saints’ offensive line, including tackle and guard. This move provides the Chargers with much-needed depth after the devastating news that left tackle Joe Alt will undergo season-ending ankle surgery.

Penning’s arrival comes at a critical juncture for the Chargers, who have already been without star tackle Rashawn Slater for much of the season. The trade will allow head coach Jim Harbaugh’s squad to weather the injury storm on the offensive line as they push toward a postseason berth.

Penning’s flexibility gives the Chargers options; he has started all 17 games for the Saints in 2023 at left guard and has seen action at both tackle spots during his career. His versatility and experience in protecting elite playmakers like running back Alvin Kamara make him a valuable addition to a Chargers line that has been plagued by injuries. Last season, Penning was part of an offensive line that helped Kamara rack up nearly 1,500 yards from scrimmage.

For the Chargers, this trade makes sense not only for depth but also for an upgrade as they continue to battle in a competitive AFC West. With Joe Alt’s loss, Penning’s ability to play multiple positions on the line will give the Chargers much-needed options to stay flexible with their offensive schemes.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor (36) against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.

On the flip side, the Chargers sent cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor to the Jets in exchange for a 2028 conditional seventh-round pick. While Taylor showed promise in his time with the Bolts, the acquisition of Penning addresses a more pressing need for Los Angeles, given the team’s injury-riddled offensive line.

Penning was in Los Angeles just last week while the Saints played the Rams. He is expected to join the Chargers for practice this week, just in time for their Sunday Night Football showdown against Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium.

With both injuries to key offensive linemen and the trade deadline now in the rearview mirror, the Chargers are hoping that Penning’s presence on the line will stabilize their offensive front as they aim for a strong finish to the 2025 season. The moves come during the second year under head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has brought a renewed sense of urgency and competitiveness to this Chargers squad.

It’s clear that General Manager Joe Hortiz and the Chargers are all-in on a deep playoff run this year, and these trades reflect that commitment.