Chargers Acquire Penning from Saints for 2027 Pick

The Los Angeles Chargers acquired versatile offensive lineman Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, just before the NFL trade deadline, in a move aimed at bolstering a unit ravaged by season-ending injuries. In exchange, the Saints received a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, providing the struggling franchise with additional future assets.

Penning, a 26-year-old former first-round pick selected 19th overall by New Orleans in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Northern Iowa, brings flexibility to the Chargers' line. He has experience at left tackle, right tackle, and left guard during his career. This season, after missing the first three games with a toe injury, Penning started the past six contests at left guard for the Saints. His addition addresses immediate needs for Los Angeles, which has been scrambling to protect quarterback Justin Herbert amid a series of setbacks.

The trade comes at a critical juncture for the Chargers, who sit at 6-3 and trail the Denver Broncos by one game in the AFC West while vying for a playoff spot. Their offensive line has been decimated: Starting left tackle Rashawn Slater suffered a torn patellar tendon during training camp, requiring...