The Los Angeles Chargers haven’t made a monumental move in free agency this week despite having an abundance of cap space. Los Angeles’ biggest move thus far was re-signing veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack to a one-year, $18 million deal.
Chargers fans hoped the team would re-sign defensive tackle Poona Ford, who had a fantastic 2024 season. However, that did not happen as Ford signed a three-year, $27.6 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams.
Without Ford, the Chargers have a huge void in the middle of their defensive line. On Thursday, Los Angeles took a minor step in trying to fill that spot and increase their defensive tackle depth.
According to Mike Garafolo of The NFL Network, the Chargers agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth $3.35 million with veteran defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand. Hand spent the last two seasons with the Dolphins, playing in 33 games.
The #Chargers have agreed to terms with DT Da’Shawn Hand on a one-year deal worth up to $3.35 million, source says. Hand heads to LA on a deal done by @SKiernan78 of @AthletesFirst after two years with the #Dolphins. pic.twitter.com/LJR3eagANa
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2025
Last season in Miami, Hand posted 31 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. The veteran defensive tackle isn’t much of a sack artist with five in 64 career games.
However, Hand is adequate in run defense with a 61.8 grade in 2024 on PFF (53rd among 219 eligible defensive linemen). The Chargers will look for the veteran defender to help stop the run as they allowed 117.5 rushing yards per game (14th-fewest).
That said, Los Angeles fans should not expect Hand to be a complete replacement for Ford, who had a 78.8 run defense (seventh among 219 defensive linemen) and an 85.1 overall grade (fifth).
Nonetheless, even with the Hand signing, the Chargers must continue to address their defensive line in free agency and the NFL draft. Given the division Los Angeles plays in, the d-line will be crucial to their success in 2025.