USA Today: PFF: Chargers 'can't afford to lose' this free agent

[Robin Miller]

https://chargerswire.usatoday.com/2024/02/07/chargers-free-agent-gerald-everett-pro-football-focus/


Gavino Borquez
February 7, 2024 5:20 pm PT


Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger revealed one free agent for every
team they couldn’t afford to lose and tight end Gerald Everett was their
submission for the Chargers.

Here is what Spielberger had to say on why Los Angeles shouldn’t let
Everett walk.

The Chargers and their new regime are in for an offseason of major
contraction, with so many potential cut or trade candidates. But we’ll
get to that later. For now, retaining a solid tight end who has good
chemistry with Justin Herbert makes sense.

Everett’s 28 forced missed tackles over the past two seasons are
the second most among tight ends, and Herbert was never afraid to look
his way in high-leverage moments down in the red zone and on third downs.

Signed two offseasons ago, Everett was a vital piece in the passing
game. Everett proved to be reliable with his yards-after-the-catch
ability and clutchness on money downs.

Everett finished with career-highs in receptions (55) and receiving
yards (555) in his first season with the Chargers. This past season, he
still managed to surpass the 50-catch mark.

Everett and Justin Herbert had a solid connection the past two seasons,
and it’s worth noting that new offensive coordinator Greg Roman uses a
heavy dose of tight ends in his scheme.

The only thing that Everett has going against him is that he doesn’t
offer much as a blocker, which Roman likes to have in his tight ends.

If the Chargers elect to let Everett walk, they could upgrade the
positional room in the draft with someone like Brock Bowers with the No.
5 overall selection and a later pick.