Tag: Joe Hortiz

Joe Hortiz speaks on Chargers’ free agency additions with ties to Ravens

Almost half of the free agents the Chargers added to their roster for the 2024 season have come from the Ravens.

Almost half of the free agents the Chargers added to their roster for the 2024 season have come from the Ravens. General manager Joe Hortiz recruited running back Gus Edwards, center Bradley Bozeman, and tight end Hayden Hurst, all of whom played under him during his tenure with Baltimore. 

“All three of those guys, I know what we’re getting with them,” Hortiz said.

They were inevitably ‘a natural fit,’ according to Hortiz. 

Edwards is slated to be the Bolts’ top running back. He’s a physical addition to the offense. In 2023, he ran for 810 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. 

“I think specifically with Gus, l’ve seen him deal with the adversity of the [ACL] injury two years ago and come back from it,” Hortiz said. “Grind, be physical, continue to play the same brand of football he’s always played. Really excited to have him.

“He’s the bell cow, the goal line [guy], the finisher,” Hortiz added. “The right mentality for what we’re looking to do here. I told you we wanted to be bigger, play a physical style of football on both sides of the ball and he helps us do that.”

The connections to the Ravens continue with the Chargers acquiring Hurst and Bozeman who were part of the same 2018 draft class in Baltimore.

“Bradley and Hayden are the same way [as Edwards],” Hortiz said. “I do my best to get to know the players and those are two I knew pretty well from my time in Baltimore.

“Feel very fortunate that the situation presented itself to get both those guys,” Hortiz added. “You get two quality players that know our scheme, that fit our scheme and that fit the mentality.”

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.

Joe Hortiz addresses current state of Chargers’ wide receiver room

The Chargers’ wide receiver core is arguably the thinnest positional group on the roster.

After the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers’ wide receiver core is arguably the thinnest positional group on the roster.

As it stands, Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston highlight the room.

General manager Joe Hortiz, who spoke to local reporters on Thursday, said he is “really excited” about Palmer taking on a bigger role. He noted Johnston’s rough rookie season but added that he has seen “some really impressive traits” on film, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Palmer averaged a career-high 58.1 receiving yards per game in 2023 while missing seven games (six to a knee injury and one to a concussion). He is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

Johnston struggled to find his footing in his rookie campaign, finishing with just 431 yards in 17 games. He said earlier this offseason that he expects a “breakout” under Jim Harbaugh.

Hortiz said that they’re not done building the room, as there are still free agents on the market and a talented wide receiver class in this year’s draft.

“It is a position we need to add pieces to. We have free agency still. There’s players out there in free agency that we like. There’s also a really strong draft of wide receivers, and there’s going to be players that come available after the draft, whether they’re still out there in free agency or they get released.”

“…Because with all the wideouts in the draft this year, there’s going to be other teams that draft wideouts, and they’re going to end up releasing good wideouts. … Good wide receivers are going to become available, whether it’s through cuts, cap casualties or trades.”

The Chargers have the No. 5 overall selection, and there is a good chance of there being one of the top wideouts available when they’re on the clock, whether that be Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze.

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz explored ‘multiple options’ with Keenan Allen before trade

Joe Hortiz spoke for the first time since Keenan Allen was traded to the Bears.

Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz spoke to local reporters on Thursday for the first time since wide receiver Keenan Allen was traded to the Bears a week ago.

Asked about Allen, Hortiz said they explored “multiple options” before their eventual final measure.

“There was extensions, there was everything. We kind of went down every path, and in the end, this was the one that fit us best and fit him best.”

Allen was asked about a potential extension with Chicago at his introductory Bears presser last week. There seems to be mutual interest on both sides in getting something done there, as the former Chargers’ receiver said something could be done “down the line”. While nothing is imminent, he said he expects to remain a Bear past the 2024 season.

It’s worth noting that the extension offered to Allen and what the star receiver was willing to take are probably different figures. Mike Evans received a two-year, $52 million contract extension with Tampa Bay earlier this offseason. As Allen aims for what could be his final big-money NFL extension, it wouldn’t be surprising to see that deal used as a framework by his team.

Considering it’s been reported that the team asked him to take a pay cut prior to the trade along with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, it seems unlikely that the AAV or guaranteed structure offered on a new deal probably would’ve ended up satisfying Allen.

The Chargers will technically be more rich with cap space next offseason than the Bears. But as the Bears look to be staring down a cost-controlled, five-year contract with star prospect Caleb Williams, it’s understandable that they may feel more confident in their ability to complete this deal.

We’ll likely never know what went down with Allen and the front office or what the financials were exactly. The pressure of getting a proper plan of WR succession going at April’s draft has ratcheted in intensity one week after the Chargers moved on from both Allen and Mike Williams.

What the Chargers can do with their cap space after roster moves

The Chargers currently sit at about $28 million in salary cap space.

The Chargers currently sit at about $28 million in salary cap space. Some of that will be saved for draft pick allocation in addition to the contracts of LA’s recent free agent acquisitions that are not yet baked in. But, as a result of trading Keenan Allen, Joe Hortiz and company have some avenues towards becoming active in the second wave of free agency.

One position the Chargers should be aggressive in acquiring prior to the draft is center. Corey Linsley’s likely retirement has left a hole that is currently filled by Brenden Jaimes. Bradley Bozeman, amongst other potential options, would make a lot of sense given his history. He also doesn’t factor into the comp pick formula because he was cut by Carolina.

Signings like Bozeman’s are what I imagine being the strategy for other positions as well. One-year deals with a positive upside that builds depth so the team isn’t quite as pigeonholed in the draft seems like the way to go.

With Josh Palmer currently the #1 wideout on the depth chart, wide receiver is another position where the Chargers should arguably make an investment post-Allen trade. The market is a bit dry given that the Allen trade happened nearly a week into the tampering/free agency window. Options like Odell Beckham Jr. and Tyler Boyd are projected to get $7-8 million in AAV on shorter-term deals via PFF’s projections. Other less expensive veteran wideouts like Josh Reynolds and Marquez Valdes-Scantling could also be in play.

However, Hortiz did mention the depth of this receiver class before in his media availability at the combine. Considering how deep it is thought to be, there could be an argument for LA to take multiple wideouts as opposed to using the free-agent market.

At linebacker, the team looks to fortify starter, depth, and special teams talent with the signing of Troy Dye and Denzel Perryman. Other depth linebackers could still be appealing as LA explores their options. Zach Cunningham and Isaiah Simmons could play well in coverage with a Jesse Minter scheme.

Another position the Chargers don’t seem set on entering the draft is cornerback. Vet options like Stephon Gilmore and Steven Nelson are still waiting in the second wave of free agency. Cheaper options like Rock Ya-Sin or even a reunion with Michael Davis could also make sense. The Chargers shouldn’t go into the draft with Asante Samuel Jr. being the only starter-level worthy cornerback on the roster.

In any event, the goal for positions like center, wide receiver, linebacker, and cornerback on the roster right now should be getting playable talent for draft leverage. You’re not going to fill every hole in free agency and it’s still a tall task to do it in the draft, even with the newly added fourth-round pick. Giving the roster some breathing room at key spots should be the goal to give LA more flexibility in April.

Chargers’ 2024 NFL draft picks set

Here’s where the Chargers are currently set to pick.

Now that the compensatory picks have been distributed to teams, the 2024 NFL draft order is set from the first to the very last pick.

Including the one compensatory pick awarded, the Chargers have eight selections in this year’s draft.

Here’s where L.A. is currently set to pick:

  • Round 1: No. 5 overall
  • Round 2: No. 37 overall
  • Round 3: No. 69 overall
  • Round 4: No. 104 overall
  • Round 5: No. 139 overall
  • Round 6: No. 180 overall
  • Round 7: No. 225 overall
  • Round 7: No. 253 overall (compensatory)

PFF lays out ‘best-case scenario’ for Chargers in 2024 NFL draft

How can Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh hit a home run in their first draft together?

Pro Football Focus laid out the best-case scenario for the Chargers in the draft with the goal of finding players who fit Jim Harbaugh’s vision and selecting Georgia tight end Brock Bowers as their first pick. 

The Chargers need to play physical football in all three phases next season. The Bolts want to draft the most talented players, but there is another factor driving those decisions.

One characteristic that Harbaugh is infamous for is his ability to change a program’s culture, and it could be argued that this is also what Los Angeles needs most. 

PFF believes taking Bowers at No. 5 is worth it because Justin Herbert needs a talented tight end to throw to. Additionally, Harbaugh and Greg Roman have coached several elite tight ends throughout the years. 

They also believe that bringing in players Harbaugh is familiar with from coaching at Michigan, and the son of one of his former players when he was the coach of the 49ers, Frank Gore.

Along the way, Harbaugh could look to bring in Michigan graduates, such as running back Blake Corum, wide receiver Roman Wilson and interior defender Kris Jenkins, who all know his habits firsthand. Another name to watch could be Southern Mississippi’s Frank Gore Jr., whose father was coached by Harbaugh when they were both in San Francisco.

I believe that the best-case scenario for Los Angeles involves trading back a few spots to get more draft ammo in the first few rounds while still being able to draft a player like Bowers or a top tackle or cornerback.

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.

Report: Multiple teams interested in trading for Chargers’ Khalil Mack

Khalil Mack is coming off a 17-sack season.

On a Sunday morning edition of SportsCenter, Jeremy Fowler reported that multiple teams have interest in Chargers edge defender Khalil Mack as the calendar turns to March.

In a trade for Mack, the Chargers would save roughly $23 million on the salary cap. That move alone would put them around $2 million over the new $255.4M cap figure.

Regarding value in return, it isn’t easy to ascertain exactly what Mack’s market is. Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger had a trade evaluation last week of a 2025 fourth-round pick for the Chargers in return.

One question is how much leverage Joe Hortiz would have in these discussions. Mack has a high cap hit due to 2023’s max restructure and other teams are likely aware of the Chargers’ cap situation. While Mack is coming off of a 17-sack season, as Fowler mentioned, will other teams be convinced that they’re getting that version of the star pass rusher as opposed to his 2022 or 2021 outputs? Those factors make getting high draft compensation back for Mack seemingly tricky.

He is also 33 and on an expiring contract. Perhaps talk of an extension could be surfaced with any team absorbing his 2023 cap number to reduce the strain. But that’s more theoretical than not, as Mack can still choose to enter free agency next year, with the cap presumably further increasing in 2025.

Another thing to consider for the Chargers is the status of the position room. Would the Chargers be OK with an oft-injured Joey Bosa leading the way next to Tuli Tuipulotu? Or would they pursue a potential nuclear option of trading/cutting both star pass rushers? How much Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh want to balance 2024 and 2025 resources and capital plays into that discussion.

The Chargers’ real choices are to cut Mack to save money, trade him at a somewhat diminished value due to the cap hit and age concerns, or keep him for 2024. If Mack is willing to stay around, he seems to be the most productive member of the restructured quartet of players outside Keenan Allen.

Without the right deal that includes a lower day two or higher day three draft pick for 2024, keeping Mack may make the most sense in the transition to the Harbaugh era. The Chargers may not have the leverage they’d theoretically want in a trade for either of their star pass rushers due to the reasons previously mentioned.

Daniel Jeremiah speaks on possibility of Chargers trading down in 2024 NFL draft

The Chargers are in a prime position to add more draft picks.

NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah addressed the possibility of the Chargers trading down from their No. 5 overall draft pick in his NFL Scouting Combine preview press conference. 

“I think if you’re the Chargers and you want to trade down, you’re praying that the fourth quarterback emerges from now to the draft,” Jeremiah said. 

“I think when it’s all said and done, it feels like it to me that you’re to have the three quarterbacks go 1, 2, 3 when we get down to it, whether that’s New England taking one or either them or Washington trading out and somebody coming up. It just feels to me talking to people around the league that seems to be the expectation.” 

Jeremiah doesn’t see a scenario where any team trades up to get one of the highly touted wide receivers or tackles–only a quarterback, likely Oregon’s Bo Nix or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. 

“So if you are looking at who you are going to trade for, well, I don’t think—because there’s those three top receivers, I don’t know that anybody is coming up for one of those guys,” Jeremiah said. “The tackle depth is really good, so even though you have players worthy of trading up for, there’s so many of them that I don’t think that would be the case.”

Jeremiah mentions the Giants, Falcons and Titans as potential landing spots for Nix and McCarthy since they likely want to draft a quarterback. 

It wouldn’t be surprising to see that four of the first five picks of the 2024 NFL draft are quarterbacks, according to Jeremiah. Essentially, there’s a good chunk of teams that would want to trade up with the Chargers to draft their guy. 

This would be good for Los Angeles, as they’re in a position where they need to load up on as much talent as possible since they’re currently in a spot where they aren’t going to be able to load up on big-name free agents, given their salary cap situation.