The Los Angeles Chargers have acquired offensive lineman Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints ahead of the NFL trade deadline and their Week 10 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move addresses significant injuries along the Chargers' offensive line. Penning, a former first-round pick, joins a unit in need of stabilization.
The Chargers made the trade on November 4, 2025, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. "Deadline deal: Saints are trading OL Trevor Penning to the Chargers, per source," Schefter tweeted.
Los Angeles has been plagued by injuries on the offensive line. They lost starting offensive tackle Joe Alt for the season in Week 9, following the earlier season-ending injury to Rashawn Slater during training camp. Additionally, offensive tackle Bobby Hart suffered an injury in Week 9 that could sideline him, leaving the team thin at the position.
Penning, 24, was selected in the first round out of Northern Iowa in 2022. He has started six games at left guard for the 1-8 Saints this season but has not played offensive tackle. His career began at left tackle, and he primarily played right tackle last season. This year, Penning's PFF grade stands at 50.4, his lowest, ranking 65th out of 78 qualified guards.
The Saints, out of playoff contention, declined Penning's fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the season. He has a history of injuries, including a toe issue that caused him to miss the start of this year and a foot ligament tear in his rookie season, but he is currently healthy.
Currently, Austin Deculus starts at left tackle with a PFF grade of 39.6, while Trey Pipkins is at right tackle, pending Hart's status. The Chargers could start Penning at tackle or shift him inside, with Zion Johnson secure at left guard and right guard Mekhi Becton dealing with injuries. Coach John Harbaugh is expected to provide clarity this week on Penning's role.
The addition comes ahead of a tough matchup against Pittsburgh's defense, which recorded five sacks and two strip sacks in Week 9. The Chargers hope Penning can help against the Steelers' front seven.