Takeaways from Chargers GM Joe Hortiz’s combine press conference

Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz took questions from the media at his NFL Combine availability in Indianapolis, IN on Tuesday.

Regarding the evaluation of the roster, Hortiz said that the process is still underway after finalizing the staff last week. Perhaps the biggest question of the offseason for the Chargers is what Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh plan to do with the contracts of Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Khalil Mack.

“We’re talking through that still,” Mack said. “Obviously, the cap got bumped up a little bit higher than anyone was expecting. Certainly gives us some flexibility. We’ll continue to talk through that over the next couple of weeks and have a plan of attack shortly.”

Interestingly, Hortiz did note that the salary cap was higher than most industry analysts predicted it would be. The $255.4 million cap does give the Chargers breathing room. Earlier projections from Over the Cap this offseason suggested it could be around $242 million.

Regarding the free agency of Austin Ekeler, Hortiz largely deflected any specifics on their plans. He did mention that the running backs currently on the roster would have a chance to prove themselves. Isaiah Spiller would be the main cog in that equation. Jaret Patterson and Elijah Dotson are also on futures deals.

From a draft standpoint, Hortiz said that the offensive line depth of the draft class is good in response to a question while also mentioning the number of wide receivers available.

Corey Linsley’s unofficial retirement was also broached at the press conference.

“We’ve talked, and I appreciate Corey for helping us out given his current situation. I’ll let him announce that and make that decision on his own, that’s not mine to make. But he certainly understood where he was in his situation he was able to help the team still even by not playing. I’m very appreciative of that when we approached him with that.”

The restructuring of Linsley’s contract makes it pretty evident that he won’t return next season. Following the end of last season, he said there was a 99% chance he’d retire.

Hortiz also shared his thoughts on two new front office additions in assistant general manager Chad Alexander and director of player personnel and Strategy Corey Kraweic.

“Chad’s a guy I’ve known for 25 years, picked him up at the airport in Baltimore and worked with him there. Outstanding evaluator, worked in college and pro. Kinda seen it all, done it all. I trust his eyes and his ability to evaluate, also his leadership.”

“…Corey was an outstanding analyst in Baltimore. Comes up with some really good ideas. He has a different way of looking at things than I may look at it as a scout. It gives you different perspectives and explores different options. Two guys I’m very excited to have.”