March 5, 2026, 10:42 a.m. PT
The Chargers released Will Dissly on Wednesday, leaving Oronde Gadsden II as the only tight end on the roster.
Los Angeles will be active in looking for one who fits offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheme, one with athleticism and blocking chops.
Here are six, both in free agency and the draft, that would make sense for LA.
Charlie Kolar, Ravens
Kolar is one of the best blockers on the market. Kolar ranked 8th among all tight ends with a 71.5 run-blocking grade and a run-block win rate of 75.5% in 2025. While not much used in the pass-catching department in Baltimore, as he played behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, Kolar has proven efficient, averaging 13.6 yards per catch since his rookie season. Kolar is familiar with general manager Joe Hortiz from his days with the Ravens front office.
Isaiah Likely, Ravens
Likely is a target who can dominate in the passing game. Having operated behind Mark Andrews for most of his career with the Ravens, he is ready to take over as the primary guy, as evidenced by having 60 catches for 675 yards and eight touchdowns in 26 games as a starter in his career. He offers elite athleticism, a high catch radius, and improved run-blocking. Like Kolar, Likely is also familiar with Hortiz.
While not as athletic as Likely, Otton offers a blend of solid pass-catching and reliable run-blocking skills. He has recorded 59 receptions in back-to-back seasons (2024–2025). Otton has also proven to be reliable and durable, averaging over 92% of snaps throughout his career.
Another tight end familiar with McDaniel’s system is Dulcich, who played for him this past season. Serviceable as a blocker, you’d be signing him for his work as a receiver. Arguably one of the most efficient tight ends in the second half of the 2025 season, Dulcich had a catch of over 20 yards in seven of his ten games. From game 9 through game 17 of the season, he ranked 12th in receiving yards (335) among TEs.
Jonnu Smith, Steelers
Smith has previous success under McDaniel. During their time together with the Dolphins in 2024, he recorded career-highs with 88 receptions, 884 yards, and 8 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl nod. Smith did see a dip in production this past season with the Steelers, catching just 38 of 54 targets for 222 yards and two touchdowns. However, Pittsburgh isn’t known for being a tight end-friendly team.
Darren Waller, Dolphins
This wouldn’t be a fan-favorite signing, but more of an “it makes sense.” Waller will be 34 this upcoming season, but he is familiar with McDaniel and has proven he can still find the end zone. After retiring in 2024, Waller joined the Dolphins in 2025 and went on to lead the team with six touchdown receptions in just nine games. The Chargers would likely need to use him as a red-zone target, not an every-down tight end.