Chargers trade lineman Okung

Two-time Pro Bowl tackle is sent to Carolina in exchange for Trai Turner.

The Chargers have agreed to trade Russell Okung to the Carolina Panthers for Trai Turner in an exchange of veteran, accomplished offensive linemen.

The deal can not become official until the NFL new league year begins on March 18.

Okung, 32, is a two-time Pro Bowl tackle who started 36 games over the last three seasons. Turner is six years younger and has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last five years playing right guard.

Michael Schofield, the Chargers’ incumbent starter at right guard, is set to become a free agent.

Offensive line is one area general manager Tom Telesco has targeted to upgrade, this deal allowing him to begin the process while getting younger across the front.

Okung started 30 of 32 regular-season games in his first two years after joining the Chargers as a free agent in March 2017. He suffered a pulmonary embolism during the team’s offseason program in June, however, and was limited to six games in 2019 because of health issues.

Turner will bolster an interior offensive line that has struggled the last few seasons. He was considered the Panthers’ top lineman among a group that, similar to the Chargers’ situation, was inconsistent.

Turner is signed for two more seasons and is scheduled to make base salaries of $8.5 million and $11 million, respectively.

His addition, plus the return of veteran center Mike Pouncey — who is still awaiting medical clearance after undergoing neck surgery — could be vital for the Chargers in 2020.

Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier is adding assistant head coach to his job title.