The Chargers on Tuesday added to their offensive-line depth by signing center Andre James, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders.
James started 61 of 80 games over six years with the Raiders, including the playoffs. He assumed the starting center position going into the 2021 season.
It’s expected that James, 27, will battle for the starter’s role with the Chargers, who re-signed center Bradley Bozeman, their starter in the 2024 season, last week to a two-year contract worth up to $6.5 million. The Chargers also signed ex-Philadelphia Eagles right guard Mekhi Becton last week.
The Chargers beefed up their offensive line in order to give newly signed running back Najee Harris more room to run this coming season. Harris, a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $9.25 million on March 10.
During the 2022 season, James blocked for Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs, who led the NFL in rushing with 1,653 yards plus 12 touchdowns.
James was a three-year starter at UCLA and signed with the then-Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent in the 2019 season.
