Former Chargers Pass Catcher Was a Bust for New Team in 2024

The Los Angeles Chargers made multiple offensive changes this past offseason. The Chargers traded star wide receiver Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears, released veteran receiver Mike Williams, and did not re-sign veteran running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Gerald Everett in free agency.

Fans were shocked to see the team jettison all those players based on their performances in Los Angeles over the past few years. 

Nevertheless, the Chargers’ front office did a good job filling those voids. They took Ladd McConkey in the 2024 NFL Draft and signed Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, and Will Dissly. Meanwhile, Everett landed a two-year, $12 million deal in free agency from the Chicago Bears.

The former Chargers tight end entered a situation in Chicago this season where he would be the TE2 behind Cole Kmet. But based on his previous experience with Shane Waldron, it looked like Everett could be a viable option in the Bears' passing game.

However, that plan never materialized for Everett, who was a major disappointment in his first year in the Windy City. The 30-year-old pass-catcher had a career-worst eight receptions (13 targets) for 36 yards in 17 games.

That said, Chicago’s offense struggled mightily this season as they had three different offensive coordinators. Still, Everett was a non-factor in the Bears’ game plan, which was a notable difference from what he did in his last season with the Chargers.

In his final year with the Chargers (2023), the veteran tight end had 51 receptions (70 targets) for 411 yards and three touchdowns. And if you look at his 2022 stats with Los Angeles, Everett was one of the focal points on offense, racking up 58 receptions (87 targets) for 555 yards and four touchdowns.

If you look at what the Chargers’ tight ends did this season, they all outperformed Everett. Dissly had 50 receptions (64 targets) for 481 yards and two touchdowns, Stone Smartt recorded 16 receptions (19 targets) for 208 yards, and Hayden Hurst posted eight receptions (13 targets) for 73 yards.

The Chargers ultimately made the right move by signing Dissly to a three-year deal and not re-signing Everett. That said, we'll see if Everett gets back on track with a new coaching staff in Chicago.

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