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Chargers General Manager Never Sleeps: Recapping Recent Transactions

The 2024 Chargers are a team of change, and one to adapt no matter the circumstance. This has been spearheaded by General Manager, Joe Hortiz.

The 2024 Chargers are a team of change, and one to adapt no matter the circumstance. With injuries, poor play, and former coaching disparities, the Bolts have seen it all. This season, under new guidance, they are ready to attack the challenges that may lie ahead or have dragged the team down in previous seasons. Beforehand, the Chargers were a stagnant team, headed by former General Manager, Tom Telesco. Now with the new hiring of former Ravens Director Of Player Personnel, Joe Hortiz, it seems as though the Chargers are constantly moving pieces around.

The Philosophy of the New General Manager

When it came down to the hiring process of Joe Hortiz, his connection with newly hired Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh seemed instant and obvious. Working with Jim Harbaugh’s brother, John, it was a no-brainer that they have been together in passing. Hortiz interviewed well and received the coveted Chargers position, giving fans excitement about something new. Everyone was tired of watching Telesco sink the ship.

When hired, Harbaugh showed his willingness to want to collaborate with the new Chargers General Manager, Hortiz, which was a concern of some fans; as Harbaugh has had controversy of wanting more control than initially given beforehand. The former Michigan coach is quoted “I really want to be Robin to his Batman in the offseason. And then when it turns around to the season, I’ll be Batman and he’ll be Robin.”

After the hiring process, it was time to get to work. Hortiz’s philosophies are of one much different than what Chargers fans had seen during the decade-plus under Telesco. His vision is to always look for the best 90 players even in a stage where player development is still happening. If someone isn’t performing, a change will be made. If someone is still out there that they’re interested in, they’ll go sign them. It is not rocket science, just staying active to stay one step ahead of possible issues lying down the road.

A Timeline of Chargers Transactions in August (via ESPN):

Now in August, with the season right around the corner, and multiple months being spent with guys who are unlikely to make the roster, the new Chargers General Manager recognizes this early and makes transactions as frequently as he wants. The door is a revolving one.

  • August 6th: Chargers Waive DE Savion Jackson
  • August 7th: Chargers Sign QB Luis Perez
  • August 12th: Signed LB Shaquille Quarterman, Waived QB Casey Bauman and WR Praise Olatoke
  • August 13th: Signed LB Savion Jackson, Waived DB Chris Wilcox, and TE Ben Mason.
  • August 14th: Signed TE Tucker Fisk
  • August 16th: Signed DT Teair Tart, Waived S Jalyn Phillips
  • August 19th: Signed Frank Ginda and S Jalyn Phillips, Waived QB Max Duggan and WR Leon Johnson

Joe Hortiz’s Eventful August: The Highlights

The eventful month of August hasn’t been one of major signings, like someone of Justin Simmons caliber. However, the roster turnover has been incredible to watch, seeing those who are not receiving playing time gone, and newly signed players receive opportunities to perform. Some highlights in this timeline are the signings of DT Teair Tart and QB Luis Perez. With two preseason games under our belt, we have seen a good amount of the still-learning Luis Perez, and he has shown some promise in his stint. Some strong throws down the sideline, coupled with the willingness to take the needed check down. However, his spot is not secured whatsoever and he needs a major improvement in his play before he offers value as a true NFL backup quarterback.

The other highlight mentioned was DT Teair Tart, a monster in the middle of the defensive line. Tart showed major promise in his time with the Tenessee Titans, eventually getting himself to a point where he was one to be on potential breakout lists. Tart, a former undrafted rookie has worked from the very bottom of a roster to becoming a valuable starter for a team. Now with the Chargers, he is here is compete with the back end of the DT room. He is likely to easily climb the ranks to become a very important rotational nose tackle in this Chargers defense, possibly even the starter if he were to continue to progress.

Conclusion: No Rest For The Wicked

Overall, the ability to constantly “churn out” the bottom of this 90-man roster is extremely impressive on behalf of Joe Hortiz. These moves are crucial for play even later in the season, as injuries will occur and these players who spent time with the Bolts could very well find their way back into the building. Look at guys like Jalyn Phillips and Savion Jackson. They have already been cut and returned to the team in the span of a few weeks.

Expecting Hortiz to let up on these roster moves, would be an expectation that will not be fulfilled. He is likely to continue looking for any way to make this team better, whether it is addition by subtraction or even looking into mid-season trades. The man who is currently Batman for the Bolts, shall not rest until the Lombardi is held. Until then, these back-end roster moves will be his way of being one step ahead of the rest of the NFL.

Main Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Gosney

Nate Gosney

Nate Gosney is a 20 year old football nerd, who has been using his smarts to become an NFL Writer since 2022. Having played in high school all four years at various OL positions, but he eventually found his footing as a blocking Tight End. This journey gives Nate an unique perspective. Trench play & tough football is key to him. Furthermore, he was born and raised a Charger fan. This has led to perpetual heartbreak since 2004. Gosney is a Journalism Graduate from Chaffey College, and is now transferring to Cal State San Bernardino.

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