Who is the best tight end free agent target for the Chargers?
The Los Angeles Chargers feature a 23-year-old signal-caller that threw 5,014 passing yards and 38 passing touchdowns last season. The Chargers will prioritize retaining their top WR Mike Williams (76, 1,149, 9), but they will need more of a bolt in their TE room. The days of Antonio Gates are sadly gone.
The Chargers carry Jared Cook, but he’s 34 years old (two years older than Gronk) and clearly not a Pro Bowl TE at this stage in his career. The Chargers should really revamp their TE position and potentially bring in a more explosive, younger TE to help the potential MVP candidate Justin Herbert. With that said, who could the Chargers sign at TE? Well, here are a few options.
Evan Engram
I feel absolutely confident that Evan Engram would have a career season in year one with the Chargers. The athletic freak who runs a 4.4 40 time may wise to have a “prove-it deal” with a quality team like LA. The Giants recently cut Kyle Rudolph and they’ve been rumored to trade Saquon Barkley. In general, it’s obvious that they’re building and I would expect Engram to receive more money from an ascending team with a potent quarterback.
It’s also exciting for teams interested in Engram that he is only 27 years old, which noticeably younger than Ertz (31) and Gronk (32). If he excels early, it’s clear the Chargers have a new long-term “weapon” in Engram. Engram may also switch to slot WR, according to New York Post. He would surely be an excellent third receiving option in Herbert’s arsenal.
Zach Ertz
It will really not be easy for the Chargers to ink Zach Ertz, as he has a plethora of talented, potential suitors. Nonetheless, the Chargers could be a great combination of culture and money (second in cap space) to lure the Eagles legendary TE. They have also been very curious about landing Ertz in the past, as shown in the first Twitter link on this article.
Ertz recorded 763 yards and five touchdowns with the Cardinals/Eagles in 2021. He has stated that he would like to return to AZ, but it may be a challenge for the “Kyler Murray-led” Cardinals to afford Ertz. He could also decide to return to Philly as a TE2/WR3 and sort out a better contract.
Rob Gronkowski
It’s very hard to predict what Gronk wants to do in 2022. He expressed interest in the Bengals and the Bills, but he might have an unexpected team that wins his heart at the end. Gronk should feel confident that he can be the chess piece that can guarantee the Chargers at least a wildcard playoff spot next season.
It isn’t like the Bills are a clear Super Bowl favorite or very wealthy team at the moment, too (24th in cap space). The Chargers could swoop in and he could be enticed about the QB, location, and contract that the Chargers could propose.
