Tag: Joe Hortiz Chargers

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz talks navigating salary cap, keeping Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa

The Chargers lost two offensive players, but were able to keep two defensive studs.

The Chargers were in an unfavorable position being over the salary cap, meaning they would have to move some star talent, which consisted of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa.

General manager Joe Hortiz knew the possibility of keeping them all was unlikely while trying to free up cap space this offseason. 

Lo and behold, they managed to keep two of their defensive stars, Mack and Bosa. 

“We certainly did what we did with them and they certainly gained things on their end, too. It was a win-win for both of us,” Hortiz said. “I had conversations with Joey prior to it and I talked to Khalil after. You know how much they want to be here and that’s exciting to me. We want to bring great players in here so they can see it.”

Both Bosa and Mack made it clear that they wanted to remain in the Powder Blues for the Harbaugh era, as they were willing to rework their deals and help free up money for the Bolts. 

“I’ve been here for six weeks and this place is pretty cool. This organization is great. It really is. This is a destination place,” Hortiz said. “Being around Jim, guys are communicating with him. They want to be here. It shows me they want to be here.”

“…I will say this: I’m very happy we were able to get something done with Khalil and Joey. I expect that they will help our defense tremendously. I know that when they have been on the field together offenses have to account for them.”

With Mack and Bosa both returning, the defense will have star power. Mack is coming off one of his best seasons. Bosa battled a foot injury last year. The hope is that they remain healthy and consistent so Chargers fans can see both of them on the field together and wreak havoc.

When Chargers’ Joe Hortiz will speak to media during NFL Combine

Joe Hortiz is set to give some insight on how the Chargers’ offseason might look.

The 2024 National Scouting Combine is days away. General manager Joe Hortiz will be available to the media on Tuesday, Feb. 27.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh was not on the schedule to speak, but he will still likely be at the combine.

Hortiz is scheduled to be at the podium at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis at 10 a.m. ET.

It will mark the first time he has spoken to the media in a formal setting since his introductory press conference that came earlier this month.

Before all the prospect drills occur, his media availability could give insight into how the franchise will approach this offseason.

There are questions regarding the moves the Chargers will make to be cap-compliant and how they will build their roster in free agency and the draft.

The Bolts have all seven draft selections and are $20 million over the salary cap.

Takeaways from Chargers GM Joe Hortiz’s introductory presser

New Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was formally introduced at a press conference on Tuesday.

New Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was formally introduced at a press conference on Tuesday. After attending head coach Jim Harbaugh’s media availability last Thursday, Hortiz got an opportunity to lay out his own vision and take questions.

Hortiz stressed the point of collaboration with Jim Harbaugh when asked about decision-making from an organizational standpoint. Echoing the “Batman and Robin” sentiment Harbaugh expressed last week, Hortiz acknowledged that the offseason will be a time for him to lead in contrast with when the games kick off in September.

Process, discussion, and collaboration are phrases that consistently came up in his presser. He says he learned from Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta in Baltimore and that communication from the top on down in the organization is critical for success, especially in player evaluation.

Hortiz also talked a lot about comp picks, mentioning that he’s a big fan of them as a team-building method. He also harped on the realities of the cap in conjunction with comp picks. Some players are going to walk every year in free agency as a reality. He referred to the process of getting comp picks as yearly cycles the team will go through.

In 2022, the Ravens received a slew of three mid-round comp picks. One of those choices that year would turn into TE Isaiah Likely in the fourth round at 139. Since 2013, the Ravens have had just two draft classes with seven player selections or fewer. The Chargers, in that same timeframe, have had eight such classes.

Hortiz talked about the cap situation after he was asked about some of the maneuvering they will have to do this offseason. He credited Ed McGuire and many of the “smart people” who are in the organization in terms of crunching the numbers and taking care of the logistics.

In response to a question about “ripping the band-aid off” financially with respect to the Chargers’ cap situation and restructured contracts, Hortiz made it clear that LA wants to compete in 2024.

That statement means that the Chargers will most likely weigh immediate 2024 success in their plan for what to do with their big 4 restructured contracts of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack.

Hortiz finished off his press conference by discussing the value of draft selections when asked about the fifth pick. The new Chargers’ GM made it very clear that every pick is important to the organization, mentioning their first-rounder, a second-rounder, and even a compensatory seventh they’re projected to receive this offseason.

Hortiz also mentioned the trade market and the opportunity that comes with looking at deals at the deadline or any point on the calendar. Tom Telesco’s tenure was defined by being relatively inactive on the trade market outside of a few draft-day pick swaps.

Social media reacts to Chargers hiring Joe Hortiz as general manager

The Chargers hired Joe Hortiz as their new GM. Here’s how Twitter reacted.

Joe Hortiz is the new general manager of the Chargers.

Social media has been quick to give Los Angeles kudos for the hire.

Let’s take a look at what is being said:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chargers hiring Joe Hortiz as next general manager

The Chargers have finally found their new general manager.

The Chargers have finally found their new general manager.

According to multiple reports, Los Angeles is working to finalize a deal to hire Ravens director of player personnel Joe Hortiz as their next GM.

Hortiz, 48, has worked for the Ravens since 1998, where he started as a scout. He was then promoted to the team’s director of college scouting for ten years before becoming the director of player personnel in 2019, overseeing both the pro and scouting departments since then.

Hortiz has plenty of experience and has benefited from learning under Ravens executive vice president Ozzie Newsome, one of the most well-known executives in the league.

Hortiz is a graduate of Auburn with a degree in accounting. He was an undergraduate assistant coach for the Tigers’ football team from 1995- 97. He worked with the quarterbacks and wide receivers and coached the scout team linebackers and secondary.

Chargers conclude interview with Joe Hortiz for general manager opening

Joe Hortiz has worked with the Ravens since 1998.

The Chargers on Saturday confirmed they have interviewed Joe Hortiz for their general manager position.

Hortiz, 48, has worked for the Ravens since 1998, where he started as a scout. He was then promoted to the team’s director of college scouting for ten years before becoming the director of player personnel in 2019, overseeing both the pro and scouting departments since then.

Hortiz has plenty of experience and has benefited from learning under Ravens executive vice president Ozzie Newsome, one of the most well-known executives in the league.

Hortiz is a graduate of Auburn with a degree in accounting. He was an undergraduate assistant coach for the Tigers’ football team from 1995- 97. He worked with the quarterbacks and wide receivers and coached the scout team linebackers and secondary.