Chargers To Sign TE Charlie Kolar
After playing out his rookie contract in Baltimore, Charlie Kolar has secured a major raise on his next deal. A notable agreement with the Chargers has been worked out.
Team and player agreed to terms on a three-year contract Monday, Tom Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report. This $24.3MM pact will include $17MM guaranteed, per the report. That will make Kolar the NFL’s highest-paid blocking tight end at $8.1MM per year. He is following in the footsteps of Josh Oliver, who cut his teeth as a blocker in Baltimore and earned a solid payday in free agency from the Vikings as a result.
The former Iowa State standout was drafted by the Ravens in the fourth-round of the 2022 draft, 11 picks ahead of fellow Baltimore tight end Isaiah Likely. Likely emerged as the better pass-catching tight end over the last four years, earning himself a three-year, $40MM contract with John Harbaugh‘s Giants. Kolar, who primarily proved himself as a blocker, will also be going to a popular destination for former Ravens in Los Angeles, where Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz has added many players he once scouted in Baltimore.
Kolar has plenty of untapped receiving potential in his 6-foot-6, 265-pound frame. In fact, he was better known as a pass-catching threat coming out of college and made huge strides as a blocker in Baltimore. He will pair with 2025 rookie breakout Oronde Gadsden – who is not as strong of a blocker – to form a young, high-upside tight end duo. Kolar can take on a bigger role as an inline tight end to free Gadsden up to exploit mismatches in the slot, both against slower linebackers in the pass game and smaller defensive backs in the run game.
The Chargers’ move to sign Kolar for a premium price indicates that they will continue to use plenty of two-tight end packages on offense in 2026 despite the departure of offensive coordinator Greg Roman (who coached Kolar as a rookie in 2022). His replacement, Mike McDaniel, did not feature tight ends heavily in the passing game, but used them extensively as blockers, indicating there will be plenty of work for Kolar in Los Angeles.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
Chargers Sign FB Alec Ingold
Veteran fullback Alec Ingold was released just two days ago after spending four years with the Dolphins. It didn’t take long for him to rebound as Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that Ingold has agreed to a two-year, $7.5MM deal to join the Chargers, reuniting him with former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Ingold’s new annual average value of $3.75MM per year ties him with San Francisco’s Kyle Juszczyk as the highest-paid fullback in the NFL. 
One of about 10 fullbacks around the league used with any frequency, Ingold has remained an impact player in the league by being a useful asset both in the run and pass game. Signing with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin, Ingold’s impact with his first team centered much more around the run blocking game. Lead blocking for then-Raiders running back Josh Jacobs represented the majority of his on-field opportunities in Oakland and Vegas.
After tearing his ACL in the final year of his undrafted rookie deal, Ingold found his next opportunity with the Dolphins in free agency. Playing in McDaniel’s offense, Ingold saw far more opportunities to contribute as a frequent participant on pass plays, as well. The more he proved he could be on the field on any down the more he ended up getting used in multiple facets of the offense. He earned Pro Bowl honors in his second year in Miami and started 47 of 66 game appearances.
He’ll now bring his talents to Los Angeles, where he reunites with McDaniel, the Chargers new offensive coordinator. The Chargers drafted fullback Scott Matlock in the sixth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He started his career as a defensive tackle, switching to offense after his rookie season. Based on this contract, Matlock isn’t likely to remain in his role of the past two years as a fullback. Either the signing of Ingold is the writing on the wall that Matlock may not be long for a roster spot, or Matlock may find himself back on defense in the offseason.
Ingold becomes the second free agent signed by the Chargers before the start of free agency. Los Angeles has added many former Ravens staffers to its front office in recent years, and as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler points out, a core tenant in Baltimore has long been to focus on the compensatory pick formula when pursuing free agents. Players who are released from existing contracts before the start of free agency do not count against a team in regard to compensatory picks. With the signings of Ingold and former Commanders center Tyler Biadasz in the past few days, it’s clear the Chargers are making that a focus, as well.
Rashod Bateman, Quentin Johnston, Dontayvion Wicks Available In Trades?
The NFL features four primary trade windows; we are in the first of those as free agency approaches. Teams will be targeting free agents soon, but trades are already happening. More are likely, as clubs will look to fill needs with players currently on other rosters.
Rashod Bateman and 2023 draftees Quentin Johnston and Dontayvion Wicks have come up as players potentially available in trades, according to ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler. The Chargers and Packers‘ wide receivers are in the final years of their rookie contracts, though Johnston’s can be extended to 2027 via the fifth-year option. Bateman is signed through 2029, making his trade status rather interesting.
[RELATED: Ravens Land Maxx Crosby From Raiders In Blockbuster]
The inclusion of the sixth-year Ravens wideout is most interesting here considering he was discussed in trades last year — before signing a second Baltimore extension. The Ravens discussed Bateman with the Cowboys before they traded for George Pickens but circled back to the 2021 first-rounder on a three-year, $36.75MM extension. The Ravens had given Bateman permission to shop around last year, with the Patriots and Packers also showing interest. Bateman then went through a disappointing 2025 season, totaling only 19 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns after a strong 2024 performance.
Baltimore missed Lamar Jackson for a chunk of last season and did not exactly see MVP-caliber play from the superstar quarterback, for the most part, when he was available. During Jackson’s dominant 2024 season, the Ravens’ long-range threat produced career-best numbers in yardage (756) and touchdowns (nine). Bateman, 26, is due a $2MM base salary in 2026. As Nikhil Mehta’s Ravens Offseason Outlook detailed, Bateman is due a $4MM option bonus by Day 5 of the league year. With the ’26 league year starting Wednesday, the Ravens will need to make a call here soon.
Johnston appears unlikely to see his $16.47MM fifth-year option exercised. While the TCU product has been a productive auxiliary target around Ladd McConkey, the Chargers’ previous front office drafted him. Johnston has still improved under Jim Harbaugh, eclipsing 700 receiving yards and totaling 16 TDs over the past two years. The Bolts did draft Tre Harris in last year’s second round. Moving Johnston would allow for the Ole Miss alum to see a bigger role, though it would also create an ancillary need for a Bolts team flush with cap space.
The Packers appear likely to lose Romeo Doubs in free agency, even if they have him on the radar to stay. The team used first- and third-round picks on receivers last year and extended Christian Watson. Jayden Reed‘s rookie deal runs for one more season as well. Wicks may be the odd man out, though the Packers have been reluctant to cut into their WR depth in the recent past. Teams are interested in Reed, but Fowler adds it is unlikely the team’s 2023 and ’24 receiving leader is moved.
Wicks only totaled 332 receiving yards (on 30 catches) for two scores last season. That pedestrian stat line came with Watson missing half the season and Reed missing most of it. Still, with Doubs likely leaving, the Packers could need Wicks for a tertiary 2026 role before a 2027 free agency exit.
Chargers Re-Sign Khalil Mack
Khalil Mack will not test free agency ahead of the 2026 season. He will instead remain in place with the Chargers for next year. 
Mack has agreed to a one-year deal with Los Angeles, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Bolts will retain at least one of their two high-profile edge rushers as a result of this news. Mack has been in place with the team since 2022. This latest re-signing is now official, per a team announcement.
Retirement was once again a talking point at the end of this past season. It was reported earlier this month, however, that Mack planned on playing in 2026. That will indeed be the case. A re-signing was mentioned as a likely scenario in this case, so today’s news comes as little surprise.
During each of his first three Chargers seasons, Mack earned a Pro Bowl nod (bringing his career total to nine). He set a new career high in sacks with 17 in 2023, and upon arrival new general manager Joe Hortiz made it a priority to keep him in the fold. Mack played on a one-year, $19MM pact in 2024, and he did the same on a deal worth $1MM less the following season. Both of those contracts were fully guaranteed.
Team and player have worked out the same arrangement this time around. This is once again a fully guaranteed accord valued at $18MM, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. That includes a $10MM signing bonus (h/t Over the Cap). Los Angeles will have Mack in the fold as a key figure in the pass rush department while Tuli Tuipulotu plays out the final year of his rookie contract. The latter earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2025 and if/when an extension is signed in his case, it will bring about a major raise.
Mack was limited to 12 games this past year, but he has largely remained durable during his Chargers tenure. With 11.5 sacks since 2024, expectations will remain high for at least steady production along the edge in this case. The former Defensive Player of the Year has racked up 113 career sacks, good for 28th all time. Only six active players have more, and a move into the top 25 will be within reach.
Attention will now turn to the matter of fellow Chargers edge rusher Odafe Oweh. He is currently one of the top pending free agents among pass rushers, and a first career trip to the open market looms. Hortiz has expressed a desire to retain not only Mack but Oweh as well. It will be interesting to see if he manages to do so, something which could be feasible given the Chargers’ healthy cap situation.
RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/6/26
Friday’s RFA and ERFA tender decisions:
RFAs
Non-tendered:
- Broncos: TE Lucas Krull
ERFAs
Tendered:
- Chargers: RB Kimani Vidal
- Vikings: LB Bo Richter, RB Zavier Scott
After a strong campaign backing up an injury-depleted running backs room, Vidal gets the most obvious ERFA tender of all time. Starting 10 of 13 game appearances, Vidal rushed for 643 yards and three touchdowns after injuries to Najee Harris, Omarion Hampton, and others.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/6/26
Here are today’s NFL minor moves as we head into the final weekend before the start of free agency:
Denver Broncos
- Re-signed: RB Tyler Badie, DT Jordan Jackson, S Devon Key, OLB Dondrea Tillman
Houston Texans
- Re-signed: S M.J. Stewart
Los Angeles Chargers
- Re-signed: RB Jaret Patterson, S Kendall Williamson
New York Giants
- Released: T James Hudson
Washington Commanders
- Re-signed: K Jake Moody
Initially opening the season as a starter on the line in New York in place of Andrew Thomas, Hudson was benched after struggling in a first-string role. He had been signed to serve as a swing tackle for the Giants, but after his early-season struggles, he failed to see much playing time for the remainder of the season.
After getting waived by the team that drafted him in the third round, Moody landed on the Bears’ practice squad before the Commanders signed him to their active roster. Washington made the move after watching Moody connect on eight of nine field goal attempts in two games for Chicago then watched Moody convert 10 of 11 for their team over the final six weeks of the season. Not willing to pay the prices on a restricted free agent tender, the Commanders opted not to tender him but continued on the path to a new deal as an unrestricted free agent.
Eagles Aiming For Pre-Free Agency A.J. Brown Solution; Chargers In Play For WR?
A.J. Brown figures to learn his 2026 destination soon. The Eagles, along with the teams in this trade pursuit, want the matter resolved over the next couple of days, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini tweets. A few clubs have been connected to the standout wide receiver.
The Bills checked in on Brown before agreeing to acquire D.J. Moore, and the Patriots and Ravens emerged as the most likely destinations. The Chargers are another team looking into this situation, Russini adds. Although the Patriots are still in this mix, they might require a price reduction from the Eagles to make the trade.
New England is an acceptable destination for Brown, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. The Pats, though, still view Howie Roseman‘s asking price — believed to be first- and second-round picks — as too steep, The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson notes. Philly is not budging on the price, per Russini. Considering how punitive trading Brown before June 1 would be for the Eagles, it makes sense they are sticking to their guns here.
The Rams were also involved in this derby, per Rapoport, but Russini adds the team has since moved on. Considering Los Angeles is sending one of its two first-rounders to Kansas City for Trent McDuffie, it would seem unlikely — even given the Rams’ history with picks-for-players trades — they will not want to trade more high picks for Brown.
Brown being interested in a Foxborough landing is notable given the Patriots’ failure to sell Brandon Aiyuk on such a path in 2024. Brown, 28, would be reuniting with ex-Titans HC Mike Vrabel in this case. While a report indicated the Patriots may not be ready to make a big trade, the team has been linked to Brown at multiple points. The Pats are releasing Stefon Diggs, creating a glaring need at wide receiver. With Drake Maye on a rookie contract, the Pats have a window to make such a move.
The Chargers have Ladd McConkey tied to rookie terms for at least one more season. The Bolts have a Quentin Johnston fifth-year option decision to make, but it seems unlikely the 2023 first-rounder will see that option exercised. Tre Harris arrived in last year’s second round and would stand to play a bigger role in 2026, as Keenan Allen is unsigned ahead of a potential age-34 season. Brown would obviously step in as the Chargers’ No. 1 playmaker. The Bolts lead the NFL in cap space and could certainly add a $32MM-AAV receiver deal. While they are not expected to be aggressive in free agency, a trade for a marquee wideout would provide a major upgrade for Justin Herbert.
If Brown is still an Eagle next season, he will count an affordable $23.39MM against their salary cap. On the other hand, trading Brown before June 1 would level the Eagles with a 43.45MM dead cap charge, a record for his position. They would also lose $20.12MM in spending room. Brown has not requested a trade, but after a rocky recent past, the sides appear close to separating.
49ers, Bills, Chargers, Commanders, Giants Could Pursue Mike Evans
MARCH 6: A new Buccaneers deal remains something to watch for in this case, Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports reports. He adds the Titans and Raiders could also be in play provided the “right deal” can be worked out, though.
MARCH 4: Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has established himself as a franchise icon over his 12-year career. The six-time Pro Bowler could continue his career in Tampa Bay next season, but he will at least hear other teams out in free agency.
In 2024, the last time Evans was on the cusp of free agency, the Buccaneers stopped him from reaching the open market with a two-year, $52MM offer. Evans was then coming off one of the best seasons of a potential Hall of Fame career. He caught 79 passes for 1,255 yards and a personal-high 13 touchdowns in his lone 17-game campaign.
Soon to turn 33, Evans is now looking for a new deal on the heels of his worst year. Multiple injuries – including a hamstring strain and a broken clavicle – held Evans to eight games, 30 receptions, 368 yards and three scores. His nine absences prevented him from a 12th straight 1,000-yard season, which would have given him the all-time record. He instead will remain tied with the legendary Jerry Rice for that honor.
Although 2025 fell well short of a typical Evans year, he will have no shortage of interest on the open market. Evans may not do as well on his next deal, but a pact in the range of $20MM per year is realistic, sources told Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. The 49ers, Bills, Chargers, Commanders and Giants are among potential suitors for the 6-foot-5, 231-pounder, per Jones.
The 49ers, Bills and Chargers were all playoff teams last season, which should appeal to Evans. As part of an 8-9 Bucs squad, the one-time Super Bowl winner missed out on postseason play for the first time since 2019 last year.
San Francisco could lose pending free agent Jauan Jennings, who led the team’s wide receivers in catches (55), yards (643) and touchdowns (nine) last season. The 49ers will also finalize a divorce from Brandon Aiyuk sometime soon.
The Josh Allen-led Bills are in dire need of at least one high-end outside complement to reliable slot man Khalil Shakir. The 2024 second-round selection of Keon Coleman has not worked out, and neither have recent free agent signings Josh Palmer and Curtis Samuel. Odds are the Bills will cut Samuel this offseason. They are also facing the possible departure of Brandin Cooks in free agency.
The Chargers have wideouts Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and 2025 second-rounder Tre Harris under contract for next season. Perennially productive 33-year-old Keenan Allen is unsigned, which leaves room for a venerable veteran pass catcher. That could still be Allen, but Evans is at least on the Chargers’ radar.
The Commanders and Giants were miles from the playoffs last year, but both teams at least have prized young quarterbacks. Washington’s Jayden Daniels won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors during a dazzling NFL introduction in 2024. He helped lead the Commanders to 12 wins and an NFC title game in his first season, but they skidded to 5-12 during an injury-ravaged 2025. Daniels missed 10 games, and No. 1 receiver Terry McLaurin sat out seven.
Adding Evans to a healthy Daniels and McLaurin could make for a potent Washington passing attack in 2026. Whether it’s Evans or someone else, the Commanders will add to a receiving corps that could see Deebo Samuel walk away in free agency.
As a rookie last season, Giants signal-caller Jaxson Dart impressed despite losing No. 1 receiver Malik Nabers to a season-ending ACL tear in Week 4. Wan’Dale Robinson stepped up as Dart’s go-to target, but he is now nearing free agency. There is reportedly a good chance the Giants will re-sign Robinson, but he primarily works from the slot. There would still be room for Evans on the outside. That would give Dart and the new head coach-offensive coordinator duo of John Harbaugh–Matt Nagy a formidable receiver trio.
Among wideouts scheduled to hit the open market, the Colts’ Alec Pierce should have the most earning power on a long-term contract. No soon-to-be free agent has a better resume than Evans, though, and that will help him secure another strong payday on a short-term agreement.
Chargers Sign C Tyler Biadasz
The Chargers have found their new center in advance of free agency. Shortly after hosting Tyler Biadasz, a deal has been worked out. 
A three-year, $30MM pact has been agreed to between Los Angeles and Biadasz, Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report. The Bolts recently saw Bradley Bozeman retire, creating an opening at the center spot. A number of options are on course to test the market next week, but the team has moved quickly in landing Biadasz, whose signing is now official.
After playing out his rookie contract with the Cowboys, Biadasz was among the players who followed Dan Quinn from Dallas to Washington in 2024. He did so by also inking a 3/30 pact at that time, but the Commanders proceeded with a release last week. That gave the 28-year-old a head start on free agency and allowed him to meet with suitors. In addition to the Chargers, Biadasz was believed to have visited the Bears as part of their search for a Drew Dalman replacement. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk clarifies, however, that no Chicago summit actually took place.
In the lead-up to free agency, Chargers GM Joe Hortiz made it clear he did not anticipate any big-money additions in March. That came as little surprise given his roster-building philosophy was shaped by a long Ravens tenure, but it led to questions about how Los Angeles’ substantial cap flexibility would be used. It remains to be seen how Hortiz will address the guard position moving forward – with Mekhi Becton set to be released and Zion Johnson a pending free agent – but the center spot has now been taken care of.
Biadasz, a Pro Bowl alternate in 2024, started 53 games with the Cowboys and all 31 of his Commanders contests. The Wisconsin product will be counted to remain a first-team presence on his third NFL team while offering plenty in the way of experience. Provided the Chargers get better luck on the health front with tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, improved play up front can be expected for 2026.
Having entered Friday with over $99MM in cap space, the Bolts can certainly afford several other additions over the coming days. The guard position in particular will now be one to watch as Hortiz seeks out replacements for Becton and – in the event he lands elsewhere – Johnson.
Chargers Host C Tyler Biadasz
Now in the market for a starting center to replace the retired Bradley Bozeman, the Chargers hosted free agent Tyler Biadasz on Thursday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
This is the second visit Biadasz has booked since the Commanders released him last week. The six-year veteran met with the Bears after No. 1 center Drew Dalman‘s stunning retirement on Tuesday.
A month after stalwart center Travis Frederick retired, the Cowboys chose Biadasz in the fourth round in 2020. The former Wisconsin Badger came off the bench in eight of 12 games as a rookie, but he became a full-time starter in his second season. Biadasz played in 49 games from 2021-23 and earned his lone Pro Bowl nod as an alternate in 2022.
Biadasz parlayed a solid run in Dallas into a three-year, $30MM contract with the NFC East rival Commanders in 2024. He continued as a full-time starter in Washington, where he played in 31 games, but the team cut him with a year left on his deal. The 28-year-old’s only absence last season came in the Commanders’ finale. He was on IR by then as a result of knee and ankle injuries he suffered in Week 17. Biadasz ended the year as Pro Football Focus’ 12th-ranked center among 37 qualifiers.
If Biadasz signs with the Chargers, he would replace another full-time starter in Bozeman. Although Bozeman topped the depth chart in all 33 of his games as a Charger, PFF was down on his work in both seasons. He was the outlet’s 31st-rated center out of 43 in 2024 and its last-ranked pivot in ’25. The Chargers’ search for a successor could point them to Biadasz, though the team has the cap room (a league-leading $99.05MM) to make a far bigger investment at the position.
The Ravens Tyler Linderbaum, PFR’s top-ranked pending free agent, is poised to sign a record-setting contract for a center. Connor McGovern, who expects to leave Buffalo, and Carolina’s Cade Mays are in the next tier of soon-to-be free agents at the position. Neither will come cheap, though, and Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz indicated last month that he does not expect to be aggressive in free agency. That could make a Biadasz signing more likely than a splashier center addition.