Chargers have key advantage to sign free agent that can take Justin Herbert’s passing offense to the next level
The Chargers coaching staff has a fantastic connection to the veteran playmaker.
The Los Angeles Chargers have tons and tons of cap space. Whatever number you’re thinking of right now – think even higher. With that, some key free agent additions need to be made by Jim Harbaugh’s sward this offseason.
A recent move by another AFC team may open the door for a great acquisition for LA’s offense of the current and future under quarterback Justin Herbert.
Mike McDaniel can help Chargers land TE Jonnu Smith in free agency
The Bolts will look to add pass catchers to their offense this offseason. Their only tight end under contract is set to be Oronde Gadsden, who impressed as a rookie, but may not be ready for a full-time starting role. Plus, wide receiver Keenan Allen is an impending free agent.
Enter: now free agent TE Jonnu Smith.
The Steelers are set to release him, and the Chargers may be the perfect landing spot for him due to their new offensive coordinator. Smith was a titan of production with the Miami Dolphins in 2024, totaling 88 catches, 884 yards and eight touchdown catches.
Smith’s dominant campaign in 2024 led him to his multi-year deal with Pittsburgh, but the Steelers have decided to move on since they have some notable TE depth in Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. With a shift in offensive philosophy coming there, Smith was the odd man out.
With McDaniel, his former head coach with the Dolphins, now residing in Los Angeles, it makes all of the sense in the world for them to reunite. The young offensive play caller understands his skill set and made him look like a top ten tight end in football previously.
Steelers expert explains Jonnu Smith’s potential value for LA
I discussed Los Angeles as a great landing spot for Smith’s service with Rob Gregson, who covers the Steelers for A to Z Sports. He believes it could be a perfect place to revitalize his NFL career.
“The Chargers are under new management as the offensive coordinator position is headlined by Mike McDaniel after his stint as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Well, despite having players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, it was Jonnu Smith who was one of the most reliable options on offense in 2024, going for over 880 receiving yards and 8 TDs.
He didn’t have nearly that sort of year in Pittsburgh in 2025, but a lot of that came down to usage and a crowded TE room with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Getting him back with McDaniel, who led him to a career year in 2024, isn’t only good for him, it’s good for the Chargers. Oronde Gadsden had a phenomenal rookie season, but giving that unit some depth and more vertical stretch can help supercharge the offense.” — Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports
Smith’s profile at TE may mimic Gadsden’s a bit too much for this reunion to happen, but the connections are crystal clear. We will see if McDaniel’s new team has the veteran pass catcher on their free agent radar next week.
Los Angeles Chargers News
Chargers’ reason for releasing veteran player may signal the end of his playing career in the NFL
The Bolts are moving on and looking for his replacement.
