The Los Angeles Chargers have not been too active in NFL free agency under new general manager Joe Hortiz. Instead, the idea during the early stages of this offseason has been to get under the NFL salary cap.
That has not stopped Hortiz from providing franchise quarterback Justin Herbert more weapons in the passing game.
Earlier this week, Los Angeles added veteran tight end Will Dissly from the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year, $14 million contract. He’s more of a block-first tight end and will help new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh do his thing on the offensive side of the ball.
Apparently, the Chargers are not done adding at the tight end position. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Los Angeles has signed veteran Hayden Hurst.
The connections are real here. Hortiz was actually a part of the Baltimore Ravens’ front office that selected Hurst in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of South Carolina.
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Impact Of The Los Angeles Chargers Signing Hayden Hurst
From a receiving perspective, it is much more impactful than the Dissly signing. Throughout his six-year career, Hurst is averaging 33 receptions for 317 yards and roughly three touchdowns.
Those might not seem like great numbers on the surface. However, he is also catching nearly 70% of his targets during this span.
As for the impact on Los Angeles’ roster, it’s clear that the team’s brass is looking to build a bully on the ground. Both Dissly and Hurst are seen as plus-level blockers.
Who they will actually be blocking for remains to be seen. Former RB1 Austin Ekeler signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency. Los Angeles replaced him with veteran Gus Edwards, who might be better suited for a backup or third-down role.
At the very least, things are starting to come together as it relates to the Harbaugh and Greg Roman offensive scheme in Southern California.