4 moves Los Angeles Chargers need to make to keep up with AFC West

By Randy Gurzi | Mar 12, 2022

2022 NFL Free Agency; New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson (27) returns an interception for a touchdown as Carolina Panthers wide receiver Robby Anderson (11) defends in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 14, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end O.J. Howard (80) in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Chargers move No. 3: Go after a younger tight end

Jared Cook was signed to a one-year deal in 2021 as the Los Angeles Chargers were looking to replace Hunter Henry who joined the New England Patriots. Cook came in and played well at 34-years of age, pulling in 48 receptions for 564 yards with four touchdowns.

However, he was likely a one-year stopgap as the Chargers should look to get younger at the position. if they wanted to use free agency, there are a couple of intriguing options, starting with O.J. Howard.

A former first-round pick out of Alabama, Howard never reached his potential with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, although that wasn’t all on him. He had over 400 yards in each of his first three seasons in the league but in 2020, Tampa Bay brought in Rob Gronkowski and Howard became an afterthought. He was also injured but even when he returned in 2021, he had just 14 receptions in 17 games.

In Los Angeles, he could be the No. 1 guy and should be able to put up numbers similar to what Cook gave them.

Another option is Gerald Everett who had 478 yards and four touchdowns with Seattle in 2021. However, with Noah Fant coming over in the Russell Wilson trade, Everett could be looking for a new home.

The draft is also an option but with the class not being great, it could make more sense to target one of these players first.

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