Earlier this week, the LA Chargers lost defensive tackle Poona Ford to the Rams on a three-year, $30 million deal. Shortly after that, the team was quick to re-signTeair Tart to a one-year deal worth up to $5.5 million.
While more defensive tackle depth will almost certainly come through a stacked draft class at the position in April, the Chargers were left to search for help in the first and second waves of free agency.
Enter Thursday's most recent signing. Per Mike Garafolo, the Chargers have come to terms on a one year, $3.35 million deal with Miami defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand.
Hand has spent the last two years with the Dolphins, playing over 760 snaps combined between seasons. Sean Kiernan of Athletes First was credited with completion of the contract.
Chargers sign Da'Shawn Hand to bolster DT room after Poona Ford's departure
Last year with Miami, Hand had 15 pressures, one sack, 17 run stops, and one forced fumble. Hand's missed tackle rate impressive dropped from 16.7% in his first season with the Dolphins to 6.3% in year two.
This leaves the Chargers with effectively five defensive tackles on the roster. Hand joins Otito Ogbonnia, Teair Tart, Scott Matlock, and Christopher Hinton. Justin Eboigbe can be added into the mix too, although he spent time at both DT and EDGE last year in a bit of a hybrid role.
For a deal worth up to $3.35 million, GM Joe Hortiz continues his series of more under-the-radar, nickel and dime signings.
Considering the cost, Hand is unlikely to factor into the comp pick formula. The Chargers are currently projected to receive a 2026 fifth-rounder for the three-year, $36 million contract that WR Josh Palmer signed with the Bills.
Hand can likely be a bit of an innings eater and at least make up for some of the snaps that were lost with the departure of Ford. He's also unlikely to be the final move the Chargers make on the interior of the trenches as we get closer to the 2025 NFL Draft.