The 2023 NFL trade deadline has come and gone and the LA Chargers did not make any moves yet again. Chargers GM Tom Telesco has not traded for talent at the deadline since 2013 and he continued that trend despite this season being an "all-in" type of year for the Bolts.
What was even more shocking than the inactivity at the deadline was the next roster move that the Chargers made. The dust hadn't even settled yet from the deadline when it was reported that the team was waiving former third-round pick Tre' McKitty. The tight end did not even last three seasons with the team.
It was surprising but justified as McKitty simply did not have what it took to be productive for the Chargers. The roster move made even more sense on Wednesday, as the Chargers followed it up by making the move that fans have been asking for all season.
#Chargers signed Nick Vannett to active roster
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 1, 2023
Chargers finally add a blocking tight end to the roster in Nick Vannett
The one pressing need that Chargers fans were asking for at the deadline was a blocking tight end. Los Angeles opted not to sign one and instead elevated one from the practice squad as Nick Vannett will essentially be taking McKitty's spot on the roster.
Vannett is not someone who is going to come in and completely reinvent the offensive side of the ball for the Chargers. He is not going to be much of a weapon in the passing game, either. Fans should not be hyping this signing up like it is going to win the team the Super Bowl.
That being said, Vannett is undoubtedly an upgrade in the blocking department from McKitty. This was the biggest hole that the Chargers had on offense and the team is at least doing something to address this hole and keep it from being even worse.
Vannett has made a career out of being a blocking specialist and has put in good reps for multiple franchises throughout his career. The long-time veteran does the dirty work (on special teams as well) and this is exactly what this Chargers team needs.
It is now clear that the Bolts were giving McKitty another half a season to figure it out and potentially develop into the player that the team thought he could be. With him failing that assignment, it was time to bring Vannett aboard.
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