Chargers Sign Center Andre James from Raiders in Bold Move

LOS ANGELES, Mar. 18, 2025 — The Los Angeles Chargers have officially signed center Andre James, strengthening their offensive line just ahead of the new NFL season. James, who previously played for the Las Vegas Raiders, was released last week in a roster move following a difficult season.

In his six years in the league, James has appeared in 89 games, starting 61, including playoffs. He notably blocked for Raiders running back Josh Jacobs, who earned first-team All-Pro honors and led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards in 2022. James’s blocking prowess was highlighted in 2023 when he finished with a pass-block efficiency rating of 97.7, allowing only 17 total pressures.

“We see a lot of potential in Andre,” Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco stated. “Despite some challenges last season, he has been a reliable starter for multiple years and has shown he can perform at a high level.”

James began his professional career with the Raiders in 2019, a year marked by the team’s final season in Oakland. After initially signing a three-year, $24 million contract with Las Vegas, he was released in a cost-cutting decision that shocked some fans and analysts alike.

Returning to Los Angeles, where he previously played for UCLA, James is expected to compete for the starting center position against teammate Bradley Bozeman. This need for interior offensive line support became evident during the Chargers’ postseason exit when quarterback Justin Herbert faced relentless pressure from the Houston Texans’ defensive line.

“While last year wasn’t indicative of his overall capabilities, we’re optimistic he can regain his form and become a key part of our offensive line,” Chargers offensive line coach Brandon Staley remarked. “He’s a solid player, and we believe he’ll excel in our system.”

The Chargers’ offensive line now has a promising look, with left tackle Rashawn Slater, right guard Mekhi Becton, and Joe Alt joining James and Bozeman. Collectively, this lineup could provide much-needed protection for Herbert as they navigate through the upcoming season.

James’s career stats include seven penalties, a notable performance compared to peers, underscoring his potential as a stabilizing presence on the line. Fans and analysts alike are anxious to see which version of James will appear this season—a continuation of his pre-2024 performance or an improvement upon his last year in Las Vegas.

As the offseason progresses, James will enter training camp under significant scrutiny; expectations are high given the investment made in his contract. With the Chargers committed to enhancing their offensive strategies, sidelines speculation suggests they might be banking on James returning to his 2023 form.