Chargers sign former Cardinals defensive lineman

The Chargers didn’t hesitate to bolster their run-blocking choices for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, agreeing to phrases with former Baltimore Ravens tight end Charlie Kolar.

Kolar and the Chargers agreed to a three-year, $24.3-million deal that includes $17 million in guarantees, NFL Media reported.

Widely considered the best run-blocking tight end available ahead of free agency, Kolar should help an uneven Chargers running attack that forced coach Jim Harbaugh to often rely an excessive amount of on quarterback Justin Herbert — even when his working backs have been healthy.

Kolar can also help complement tight end Oronde Gadsden II in the passing sport when obligatory, but he ought to principally serve as a substitute for Will Dissly, who was released by the team last week. It’s also no coincidence that Kolar played for Harbaugh’s brother, John, in Baltimore and was drafted in 2022 when Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was the director of player personnel for the Ravens.

Kolar, 27, had 10 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns last season. In four seasons with the Ravens, he had 30 catches for 409 yards and four touchdowns.

Like most Chargers offseasons, it’s clear Hortiz is prioritizing ways to add to the Chargers’ offense while also bolstering its protection options. On Sunday, the team agreed to phrases with Alec Ingold, reuniting the former Miami Dolphins fullback with McDaniel.