As the Los Angeles Chargers retooled their offense this offseason, one position continues to raise concern: tight end. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has historically leaned on that spot to fuel his offensive schemes, but so far, the Chargers haven’t landed the kind of game-changing presence Harbaugh might’ve hoped for.
That pursuit included a high-profile free agent target in Evan Engram. The veteran tight end visited Los Angeles and was seriously courted by the Bolts. But in the end, he chose Denver.
Los Angeles Chargers Still Searching for Answers at Tight End After Missing on Evan Engram
“Free agency is a crazy rollercoaster,” Engram said. “I took a visit to [Los Angeles]. It’s a great organization there, as well. I had a great visit with them, but the best place for me and my family was here in Denver. Just with the offense, the history here, the way the organization takes care of its players. Like I said, I could go on all day. I’m really blessed to be here.”
Missing out on Engram stung — and left the Chargers scrambling. The team pivoted to sign veterans Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin, both solid options but hardly headline-grabbers. Neither has consistently produced like a true No. 1 tight end, and ESPN’s Mike Clay gave the group a harsh 3 out of 10 grade heading into the 2025 season.
The real intrigue may come from rookie Oronde Gadsden II, a fifth-round pick already drawing comparisons to Darren Waller thanks to his size, athleticism, and receiving ability. Gadsden has turned heads in minicamp, and Chargers tight ends coach Andy Bischoff is clearly excited by the potential.
Still, it’s a steep climb. The team’s playoff hopes were derailed in 2024 by a lack of pass-catching threats, especially over the middle. With Justin Herbert under center and a revamped receiver room featuring Omarion Hampton and Tre Harris, the stage is set for someone in the tight end group to break out.
But until that happens, tight end remains the Chargers’ biggest question mark — and a position they simply haven’t cracked yet.
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