Chargers' trade targets: ESPN analyst pitches running back and offensive line solutions

ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell proposed two trades for the Chargers to address the running back position and offensive line.

Starting with the backfield, Barnwell suggests Los Angeles trades a 2027 sixth-round pick to the Browns in exchange for running back Jerome Ford and a 2027 seventh-round pick.

Cleveland is undergoing a youth movement at the position with Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, while Ford has been primarily used as a third-down back.

Ford's most productive season came in 2023 after a season-ending injury to Nick Chubb in Week 2 thrust him into the starting role. He finished the season with 813 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while adding 44 receptions for 319 yards and five receiving touchdowns.

While Kimani Vidal showed promise with his 124-yard game against the Dolphins, adding Ford would give the Bolts a much-needed veteran in the backfield who has shown to be productive.

The other trade Barnwell proposes is the Chargers trading a 2028 sixth-round pick to the Giants in exchange for offensive lineman Evan Neal, along with a 2028 seventh-round pick.

L.A. has been hit with injuries up front, losing Rashawn Slater for the season and Joe Alt and Trey Pipkins both missing time. Neal has been a healthy scratch for the 2025 season as he's struggled to find a stride with New York. But a new destination could help the former top-10 pick revive his professional career.

For the Chargers, Neal could provide depth at offensive tackle, with the ability to play inside at guard.

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: ESPN analyst proposes two trades to solve Chargers' injury woes