Sometimes a moves takes longer than expected, even if the first step of the move was reported over a month earlier. That is the exact situation the LA Chargers find themselves in with pass-catching tight end Tucker Fisk.
The Chargers slapped an exclusive rights tender on Fisk before free agency even began in early March. While many thought that was the end of Fisk's offseason story, it wasn't. Some time passed before Fisk actually put pen to paper to sign said tenure.
Fisk finally signed the tender on Monday, allowing the tight end to participate in the team's offseason program ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Without signing the tenure, Fisk would not have been able to participate in the program.
Tucker Fisk finally signs Chargers tenure after weeks delay
It's unclear why there was any delay whatsoever as there were no other alternatives for Fisk to explore. It was an exclusive rights tenure, meaning Fisk was always going to return to the Chargers. There was no wiggle room for him to pursue other opportunities.
The most likely explanation is that this was merely an accounting delay. With no reason to delay the inevitable, Fisk officially signing his tenure at the 11th hour was simply a delay in the paperwork process.
Fisk returns to the Chargers after joining the team last season. While he provides valuable depth as a rotational tight end, he is not someone who Chargers fans hope plays a prominent role in the offense next season. If he is, then the Chargers likely made a mistake with their offseason game plan.
Fisk provides value as a fourth tight end who can produce on special teams and occasionally step up in the offensive game plan if someone gets hurt. As it stands right now, he is the TE3 on the depth chart and should be pushed down as long as the Chargers draft a tight end.
Fisk's tender locks him down for one more season, paying him $1.03 million. None of that money is guaranteed, so the Chargers could cut him during training camp without it impacting the 2025 salary cap.
If Fisk does make it through the 2025 season with the Chargers he will become a restricted free agent next offseason. The Chargers will still control his destiny, so if he is worth keeping around, the Bolts will keep him around.