The Chargers aren’t hesitating when it comes to bolstering their run-blocking options for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, reportedly agreeing to terms Monday with former Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar.
Kolar and the Chargers agreed to a three-year, $24.3-million deal that includes $17 million in guarantees, NFL Media reported.
Widely considered the best run-blocking tight end available ahead of free agency, Kolar should help an uneven Chargers running attack that forced coach Jim Harbaugh to often rely too much on quarterback Justin Herbert — even when his running backs were healthy.
Kolar can also help complement tight end Oronde Gadsden II in the passing game when necessary, but his main role will most serve as a replacement for Will Dissly, who was released by the team last week. It’s also no coincidence that Kolar played for Harbaugh’s brother, John, in Baltimore and was drafted in 2022 when Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was the director of player personnel for the Ravens.
Kolar, 27, had 10 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns last season. In four seasons with the Ravens, he had 30 catches for 409 yards and four touchdowns.
Like most Chargers offseasons, it’s clear Hortiz is prioritizing ways to add to the Chargers’ offense while also bolstering its protection options. On Sunday, the team agreed to terms with Alec Ingold, reuniting the former Miami Dolphins fullback with McDaniel.
Odafe Oweh heading to Washington
Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh, who had a breakout season in L.A. in 2025 and was one of the top defensive players available in the pending free-agent pool, reportedly agreed to a four-year deal with the Washington Commanders.
The deal is for $100 million and includes $68 million in guarantees, according to NFL Media.
Losing Oweh is a significant blow for the Chargers after he recorded 7½ sacks and 28 tackles in 12 games after a midseason trade from Baltimore.
Zion Johnson heading to Cleveland
Former Chargers guard Zion Johnson agreed to a three-year, $49.5-million deal with the Cleveland Browns, according to multiple reports.
Johnson, a first-round pick by the Chargers in 2022, was one of the anchors on the Chargers’ offensive line in the wake of injuries to Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. He played 100% of snaps until he was benched in Week 18 ahead of the playoffs.
However, he often struggled to adequately protect Herbert — his pass-block win rate of 87.4% was the fifth-worst mark among guards in the NFL last season, according to ESPN. The Chargers ultimately decided to let him go rather than pick up his fifth-year option.
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