Jim Harbaugh is fond of saying that "competitors are welcome" in the Chargers locker room.

Tuesday's news that the Bolts have agreed to terms with Cole Strange on a multi-year contract in free agency reflects that, as the left guard could now compete for a starting spot up front as the Chargers remake the interior of their offensive line.

Strange also offers a familiar face for Chargers Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel as the two were in Miami together last season.

Strange started 14 games for the Dolphins in 2025, all at right guard, which is where the Bolts have a starting spot open after releasing Mekhi Becton last week.

The 27-year-old Strange also has experience at left guard and center, but right guard could be where he gets the chance to compete for a starting gig under McDaniel and Chargers offensive line coach Butch Barry, who was also in Miami last season.

Strange, who is listed at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, has played in 44 career games with 43 starts.

Strange was a 2022 first-round pick by the Patriots and spent three seasons in New England, although the latter portion of his time there was hampered by a torn patellar tendon.

He was solid with the Dolphins in 2025, so the hope here is that he's fully healthy and ready to take the next step in his career under McDaniel and Barry, two coaches that know him well.

The best-case scenario here is that Strange finds the form and talent that made him first-round pick, especially as he potentially slots in next to right tackle Joe Alt and center Tyler Biadasz up front.

If Strange hits, this move by the Chargers could end up being one of the steals of free agency.