Chargers GM Admits Harsh Truth About Team’s Super Bowl Chances
By Cem Yolbulan
It is a new era for the Los Angeles Chargers. After being one of the most disappointing teams in the 2023 season, the organization pressed the reset button and brought in head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz.
The two decision-makers got down to business immediately to revamp the aging, expensive roster, most notably parting ways with fan favorites Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler and, Mike Williams. For further salary cap relief, they restructured the contracts of star defenders Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.
As disappointing as this was for Bolts fans, it was completely understandable. The financial situation was dire with multiple awful contracts to players in decline. GM Hortiz addressed these decisions in his latest remarks with reporters.
Chargers To Prioritize Financial Flexibility Over Short-Term Success
"The reality is, given the cap and the situation we're in, the likelihood of all 4 players coming back and us being able to build depth and a complete team, that wasn't a realistic end result."#Chargers GM Joe Hortiz address trading Keenan Allen & more: https://t.co/3AHlEk76hI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 22, 2024
Perhaps the most important part of the roundtable session came when Hortiz admitted where the franchise currently sees itself. Underlining his priority as long-term financial flexibility, Hortiz showed no indication that he would want to push money into the future for short-term success.
"You can keep punting money but then you hurt your depth, you hurt your depth for signing quality depth pieces. And you hurt your flexibility going forward. Our goal is to be as flexible as we can every year... It's fun to go all in one year. I'd like to be all in every year, but I want to have a chance to compete for Super Bowls every year."
- Chargers GM Joe Hortiz
It sounds like Hortiz doesn't think that they can compete for a Super Bowl next season and wants to maximize their future success. Considering the amount of talent the team possesses and the elite quarterback it has at the helm, this is likely frustrating to hear for Chargers fans.
FanDuel Sportsbook agrees with Hortiz's assessment. They are currently given +1700 odds (eighth in the AFC) to make the Super Bowl.
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