The Los Angeles Chargers entered the NFL offseason looking to upgrade the weapons around franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Bolstering the tight end room is one way to help accomplish that task, which led to the Chargers hosting veteran TE Evan Engram once free agency began.
Unfortunately, the Chargers couldn't convince him to put pen to paper, as Engram opted to sign a two-year deal with the rival Denver Broncos instead. Although missing out on the experienced pass-catcher stings, Los Angeles isn't dwelling on the situation judging by the latest free agent general manager Joe Hortiz is reportedly targeting.
Chargers Hosting TE Tyler Conklin After Losing Evan Engram to Broncos
On Thursday night, NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that the Chargers will host veteran free-agent TE Tyler Conklin for a visit. The former Minnesota Vikings fifth-round spent the last three seasons with the New York Jets and is one of the top available tight ends.
The #Chargers are hosting veteran TE Tyler Conklin on a visit, sources say. A bit of a surprise he’s still available, especially since a few teams have shown interest in signing him, including the Jets, with whom he had 170 catches for 1,622 yards and 7 TDs the last three years. pic.twitter.com/7uxiYuPvjU
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 20, 2025
After a relatively slow start to his NFL career, Conklin finally broke out with the Vikings during the 2020 campaign. The former Central Michigan pass-catcher started in the most games of his career at that point (15) and capitalized on the increased opportunities, hauling in 61 catches for 593 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
The breakout performance earned Conklin a three-year contract worth $21 million with the Jets in the following offseason. Fortunately, the Chesterfield, MI native remained consistent despite the change in scenery, posting a 170-1,622-7 stat line in 50 games with New York across the last three seasons.
Conklin potentially being added to the mix would also bode well for Herbert's protection. The veteran TE posted a career-high 78.8 Pro Football Focus pass block grade last season after only allowing QB pressure on 5.1% of passing downs.
With Will Dissly, Tucker Fisk, and McCallan Castles being their only TEs currently under contract, the Chargers would be wise to do what they can to sign Conklin. His addition would help bring the offense to the next level, especially if GM Hortiz doesn't want to wait until April's draft to address the positional need.
For now, Chargers fans will be waiting eagerly to see how Conklin's team visit goes. If all goes to plan, Los Angeles won't have to worry about its pressing TE needs for much longer.