Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger revealed one free agent for every team they couldn’t afford to lose and tight end Gerald Everett was their submission for the Chargers.
Here is what Spielberger had to say on why Los Angeles shouldn’t let Everett walk.
The Chargers and their new regime are in for an offseason of major contraction, with so many potential cut or trade candidates. But we’ll get to that later. For now, retaining a solid tight end who has good chemistry with Justin Herbert makes sense.
Everett’s 28 forced missed tackles over the past two seasons are the second most among tight ends, and Herbert was never afraid to look his way in high-leverage moments down in the red zone and on third downs.
Signed two offseasons ago, Everett was a vital piece in the passing game. Everett proved to be reliable with his yards-after-the-catch ability and clutchness on money downs.
Everett finished with career-highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (555) in his first season with the Chargers. This past season, he still managed to surpass the 50-catch mark.
Everett and Justin Herbert had a solid connection the past two seasons, and it’s worth noting that new offensive coordinator Greg Roman uses a heavy dose of tight ends in his scheme.
The only thing that Everett has going against him is that he doesn’t offer much as a blocker, which Roman likes to have in his tight ends.
If the Chargers elect to let Everett walk, they could upgrade the positional room in the draft with someone like Brock Bowers with the No. 5 overall selection and a later pick.