Tight end is one of the biggest areas of need for the LA Chargers this offseason. Despite this reality, the Chargers seemingly had no interest in bringing back 2024 late-season standout Stone Smartt.
It started with the Chargers not tendering Smartt as a restricted free agent. However, at the time, it was perceived the Bolts would attempt to re-sign Smartt for a cheaper deal. That isn't what happened.
Smartt is signing a one-year deal with the New York Jets. While Smartt was never going to be the TE1 in Los Angeles, his departure only worsens what is already a thin tight-end room for the 2025 season.
Chargers get worse at tight end after Stone Smartt signs with Jets
Smartt emerged as a second-half standout for the Bolts who truly looked to be the best pass-catching tight end on the team. The Chargers were forced to lean on Smartt because of injuries late in the season and he stepped up. In Week 14 through 17, Smartt caught 13 passes for 164 yards
With Smartt's departure, the only tight ends on the Chargers roster with legitimate NFL experience are Will Dissly and Tucker Fisk. Dissly is a block-first tight end who showcased his shortcomings in the passing game last season, especially in the NFL Playoffs.
Fisk is a depth tight end/fullback hybrid who, realistically, should be the TE4 on a team that is serious about contending for a Super Bowl. Right now, Fisk is the TE2.
There aren't many tight-end options available on the market, hence why the Jets wanted to take a chance on Smartt's pass-catching upside. The Chargers recognize this and tried signing Evan Egnram, who spurned them for the Denver Broncos.
The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with tight end talent with many fans hoping the Chargers draft Michigan's Colston Loveland in the first round. However, it's a dangerous game to go into the draft pigeonholed at a certain position.
Loveland very well could be taken before the 22nd pick. And even if the Chargers have backup options for later rounds, those options could also be taken before the Chargers have a chance to.
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Smartt's departure doesn't change the draft dynamic as the Chargers would have needed to add a true TE1 anyway. However, the Chargers letting Smartt walk when they could have retained him shows they didn't value his upside as a pass-catching tight end.
Many Chargers fans would disagree with that assessment.