One of the biggest roster needs for the LA Chargers this offseason is tight end. Los Angeles needs to add a true pass-catching threat at tight end and tendering Tucker Fisk won't be enough. The Bolts need a fresh face.
There is just one problem for the Chargers: the tight-end market is rather shallow this offseason. Prospects Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren have emerged as dream options for the Bolts in the first round but there is a very real chance neither guy is available at pick No. 22.
Thankfully, a new, exciting tight end just became available. In a flurry of money-saving moves made on Thursday, the Jacksonville Jaguars released Pro Bowl tight end Evan Engram.
Jaguars' Evan Engram release is great news for the Chargers
Ask and you shall receive. The LA Chargers need to add a pass-catching tight end who could split snaps with blocking specialist Will Dissly next season. Engram fits that billing perfectly, and would be a great addition to the Chargers' offense.
Engram is a two-time Pro Bowler who last earned the honor in the 2023 season with the Jaguars. The former Giants tight end caught 114 passes for 963 yards with four receiving touchdowns. Engram's 114 receptions are the second-most by a tight end in a single season, only trailing Zack Ertz's 116 receptions in 2018.
Last season was not as fruitful for Engram but that was the case for the entire Jaguars offense. Engram caught 47 passes for 365 yards with one touchdown in nine games played.
As much of a step back as that was, Engram's step back would still be an improvement at the tight end position from what the Chargers currently have.
The Chargers don't need Engram to come to LA to catch 114 passes for him to be successful. All the Chargers need is someone who defenses actually have to respect in the passing game. Engram fits that billing.
Los Angeles is a perfect landing spot for the 30-year-old tight end as well. Engram would still split snaps with Dissly, which would keep him fresh, and he would undoubtedly benefit from having Justin Herbert under center. As talented as Trevor Lawrence is, Herbert would be the best quarterback Engram has played with.
Best of all, signing Engram would have no impact on the Chargers' compensatory pick formula for the 2026 NFL Draft.
That may not be a factor in an offseason where the Bolts have ample cap space to spend but it is known that general manager Joe Hortiz values compensatory selections. As someone who was released, Engram does not factor into the formula. That alone may entice the Chargers to sign him over Juwan Johnson, who is probably the best free-agent tight end on the market.