The Los Angeles Chargers are facing a pressing need at tight end after releasing veteran Will Dissly on Wednesday, leaving Oronde Gadsden II as the sole player at the position on the roster. With new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel arriving, the team is expected to aggressively pursue additions who fit his scheme – players possessing both athleticism and reliable blocking skills. The Chargers’ search for a tight end will be a key focus as they build around quarterback Justin Herbert.
McDaniel’s arrival signals a shift towards a more dynamic offense and the tight end position will be crucial in executing his vision. The Chargers will likely prioritize players who can contribute both as pass-catchers and as blockers, offering versatility in both the running and passing games. Several options, both in free agency and the upcoming draft, present intriguing possibilities for the team.
Free Agency Options: Proven Veterans
Several established tight ends are available in free agency, offering immediate impact and experience. Among the most notable are players familiar to general manager Joe Hortiz from his time with the Baltimore Ravens.
Charlie Kolar (Ravens) stands out as one of the best blocking tight ends on the market. According to Pro Football Focus, Kolar ranked 8th among all tight ends in 2025 with a 71.5 run-blocking grade and a 75.5% run-block win rate. While his receiving opportunities were limited behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, he has demonstrated efficiency, averaging 13.6 yards per catch since his rookie season. His familiarity with Hortiz could be a significant advantage.
Isaiah Likely (Ravens) presents a different profile, excelling as a receiving threat. Having operated primarily as a backup to Andrews throughout his career, Likely is poised to take on a larger role. He has 60 catches for 675 yards and eight touchdowns in 26 games as a starter, showcasing elite athleticism and a high catch radius, alongside improving run-blocking skills. Like Kolar, his prior connection with Hortiz is a plus.
Luke Otton (Buccaneers), while not as athletic as Likely, offers a reliable blend of pass-catching and run-blocking abilities. He has recorded 59 receptions in consecutive seasons (2024-2025) and has proven durable, averaging over 92% snap participation throughout his career.
Familiar Faces and Potential Upsides
The Chargers also have options who already have a connection to offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
Greg Dulcich (Broncos), who played under McDaniel last season, is a receiver-focused tight end. While serviceable as a blocker, his strength lies in his pass-catching ability. In the second half of the 2025 season, Dulcich consistently made big plays, recording a catch of over 20 yards in seven of ten games and ranking 12th in receiving yards (335) among tight ends from game 9 through game 17.
Jonnu Smith (Steelers) previously thrived under McDaniel’s guidance with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, achieving career highs with 88 receptions, 884 yards, and 8 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection. While his production dipped in 2025 with the Steelers (38 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns), it’s widely acknowledged that Pittsburgh isn’t a particularly tight end-friendly offense.
A Potential Reunion: Darren Waller
Darren Waller (Dolphins) represents a more unconventional, yet potentially intriguing, option. While he will be 34 years old this upcoming season, Waller is familiar with McDaniel’s system and demonstrated his ability to uncover the end zone, leading the Dolphins with six touchdown receptions in just nine games after coming out of retirement in 2025. The Chargers would likely utilize him primarily as a red-zone target rather than an every-down player.
The Chargers’ pursuit of a new tight end will be a critical component of their offensive overhaul under Mike McDaniel. The team has a variety of options, ranging from proven veterans to players with familiarity with both McDaniel and general manager Joe Hortiz. The coming weeks will reveal which direction the Chargers choose to take as they aim to bolster their offense and maximize Justin Herbert’s potential.
What direction do you believe the Chargers should go in addressing the tight end position? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
