Los Angeles Chargers
· 2026-07-14
Los Angeles Chargers' Charlie Kolar Named Breakout Candidate
The Los Angeles Chargers have made a significant addition to their roster, signing tight end Charlie Kolar for $24.3 million. This move has sparked excitement among fans, with many believing Kolar has the potential to be a breakout player in the 2026 season.
Kolar's signing was a priority for the Chargers, and for good reason. The former Raven was an elite run blocker in Baltimore and is expected to continue filling that role for the Chargers. However, Kolar also has untapped potential as a pass catcher, which could be a game-changer for the team.
The Chargers' offense has been bolstered by the hiring of Mike McDaniel as the new offensive coordinator. Pairing McDaniel with Justin Herbert, the team's quarterback, is expected to lead to a strong season. With Kolar on board, the team's tight end room is looking more competitive than ever.
As training camp approaches, fans are eager to see how Kolar will fit into the team's offense. With his blocking ability and potential as a pass catcher, Kolar is poised to become a key player for the Chargers. If he can live up to his potential, Kolar could become the leading tight end in both the run and receiving game.
The Chargers are currently standing 7th in the American Football Conference with an 11-6 record, on a two-game winning streak. Their next game is against the Arizona Cardinals on September 13, 2026. With Kolar on board, the team is looking more competitive than ever, and fans are excited to see what the future holds.
Kolar has racked up 409 receiving yards and 4 touchdown receptions through the first four seasons in the league. He was an elite run blocker in Baltimore, with a 71.5 run-block grade for the 2025 season, the sixth-best in the league. Under the guidance of Mike McDaniel, Kolar could see an expanded role during his time in Los Angeles.
The Chargers' tight end room is full, with Oronde Gadsden and David Njoku also on the roster. However, Kolar is poised to become the blocking tight end for the team, and could extend his skill set under McDaniel during training camp. If he does, Kolar could become the leading tight end in both the run and receiving game.
The Athletic's Daniel Popper has named Kolar as the team's breakout player for the 2026 season. "The Chargers made Kolar a priority addition during free agency, signing the former Raven to a three-year, $24.3 million deal," Popper wrote. "Kolar was an elite run blocker in Baltimore and will continue to fill that role for the Chargers. Kolar also has a ton of untapped potential as a pass catcher, and that is where the breakout could happen in Los Angeles."
Kolar was playing behind Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely with the Ravens, but will get more opportunities in the passing game for the Chargers. He has never caught more than 10 passes in a season, but is poised to surpass those figures handily in 2026. With his signing, the Chargers are looking more competitive than ever, and fans are excited to see what the future holds.
category: player_focus