The LA Chargers entered a new era full of important members of the Baltimore Ravens after firing former general manager Tom Telesco in December 2023. Los Angeles hired long-time Ravens executive Joe Hortiz and he made sure to bring several former Ravens with him.
Whether it was coaches who previously coached in Baltimore, such as Greg Roman, or players who spent time with the Ravens, such as Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, Hortiz was not shy about poaching players from his former employer.
Hortiz definitely isn't getting shy as time passes. While most of the focus in the NFL is on OTAs, the Charers quietly poached a scout from the Ravens to play a significant role in the Chargers' scouting department.
@Kevin_Weidl has left his post as SE/MW Scout for the #Ravens to join the #Chargers as National Scout. A three-year starter at QB for @IUPFootball, Weidl joined the Ravens in 2017 after 11 years as a draft analyst w/@ESPN. He also interned w/the #Jets during camp in 2007.
— Neil Stratton (@InsideTheLeague) May 28, 2025
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Chargers quietly poach Ravens scout during OTAs
Hortiz obviously used his prior connection with Kevin Weidl to poach him to the Chargers. With the move, Weidl is getting a promotion with the Chargers and is going to be a key member of the scouting process as a national scout.
Hortiz poaching his old employer is a great thing for the Chargers. The Baltimore Ravens have consistently been one of the best organizations in the sport. Every single team in the league should try to be more like the Ravens.
By literally bringing in former members of the Ravens' front office, the Chargers are accomplishing this in rapid fashion.
One of the most prominent members of the Chargers front office (not named Hortiz) also spent significant time in Baltimore. Assistant GM Chad Alexander spent two decades in Baltimore before he eventually left for the New York Jets, which paved the way for him to join the Chargers.
Alexander is one of the fastest-rising executives in the league, so much so that he partook in legitimate GM interviews this past offseason. While Alexander thankfully stayed in Los Angeles, it might just be a matter of time until he gets elevated elsewhere.
The same could happen to Weidl, who is going from one of the best-run organizations in the sport to another organization that is looking to emulate that. Weidl's increased role with the Chargers may end up being a rung in the ladder in his career growth.
In the meantime, he is undoubtedly going to have a positive impact on the Chargers. Hortiz is doing great work by bringing in so many former Ravens and he should continue that quest as long as he is the Chargers GM.