What the signing of TE Gerald Everett means for the Chargers

The Chargers signed tight end Gerald Everett to a two-year deal on Sunday.

General manager Tom Telesco’s presser at the Combine said that the tight end group was not complete.

With Jared Cook’s departure, a void needed to be filled by a complete tight end to round out the room.

Insert Everett, who gives the team a younger replacement, as he is just 27 compared to Cook who was 34.

Familiarity has been a factor with some of the players brought in. Everett fits that billing, having played on the Rams the same year that Brandon Staley was their defensive coordinator.

Drafted in the second round by the Rams in 2017, Everett served as Tyler Higbee’s backup in each of his four seasons with the team. He totaled 127 catches for 1,389 yards and eight touchdowns in that timeframe.

After his rookie contract was up, the Seahawks signed him to a one-year deal.

He accounted for just 135 yards and one touchdown during his first six games. When Russell Wilson returned from his injury, Everett found his groove. In his final nine games, he averaged 38 yards per game, totaling 342 yards and three touchdowns.

Gerald Everett bowls over the Steelers defense to set up a Will Dissly touchdown catch and the Seahawks suddenly find themselves down by only a field goal at 17-14. #GamblingTwitter #SportsBetting #SEAvsPIT #SundayNightFootballpic.twitter.com/b2kWJg6Bdt

— BestOdds.com (@BestOddsBets) October 18, 2021

What Everett will provide in the offense is someone who can move all over the formation, with vertical and horizontal field-stretching capabilities, yards-after-the-catch ability, and the toughness to make contested catches.

Everett will slide in as the top tight end on the depth chart. Donald Parham made strides in his second season with the Chargers, showing strides with his blocking to go along with his pass-catching skills, but they clearly feel he needs more time to develop before taking on a No. 1 role.

Tre’ McKitty showed plenty of promise as a blocker in his rookie season, and he should resume his duties in the in-line spot. Stephen Anderson was another pleasant surprise in his role as the hybrid fullback/H-back. Now, the question is whether or not Anderson will be back next season.

As it stands, with the addition of Everett, this group has plenty of upside heading into 2022.