The Los Angeles Chargers have made their first move of the 2026 free agency legal tampering period.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Bolts have signed tight end Charlie Kolar to a three-year, $24.3 million deal, with $17 million in guaranteed. Kolar was last with the Baltimore Ravens for the first four seasons of his career.
The new Charger performs better as a blocker than a receiving threat. Kolar received a 71.5 run-block grade from Pro Football Focus, the 15th-highest at his respective position — Kolar also had the 10th-highest tight end grade from the publication.
Kolar recorded 142 recieving yards and 2 touchdown catches on 10 catches for the Ravens in the 2025 season, showing that he can be a two-way player for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. In his career, the tight end has logged 409 receiving yards and 4 touchdown receptions.
While signing the new deal, Kolar will likely be the second option on the depth chart before second-year Oronde Gadsden, who had a strong debut season.
Adding Charlie Kolar comes after the Chargers parted ways with Will Dissly a few days before the start of free agency.
Charlie Kolar Connection to Chargers GM
GettyChargers have made their first free agent signing of the legal tampering period
Adding Charlie Kolar gives the Los Angeles Chargers some familiarity with the player, as the Bolts’ general manager Joe Hortiz was part of the front office that drafted the tight end.
The Ravens drafted Kolar in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, when Hortiz was the Director of Player Personnel.
Now finding his way to the City of Angels, Kolar finds himself reunited with a member of the front office who drafted him.
Connections and familiarity have played a significant role in the Chargers organization since Jim Harbaugh was hired as head coach.
After losing former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to the Baltimore Ravens, the Bolts brought in Western Michigan defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary to become the next DC.
Before taking the job with Western Michigan, O’Leary was the safeties coach for LA in the 2024 season.
Chargers Quiet At Start of Free Agency
GettyLos Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh
Despite entering the 2026 free agency with some of the most cap space, the Los Angeles Chargers have been quiet since the start of the legal tampering period.
Charlie Kolar has been the only signing since the start, with the Bolts making many moves before the start of free agency.
LA has brought back Khalil Mack on a one-year deal, signed center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year deal to help fix interior offensive line struggles, and reunited fullback Alec Ingold with former offensive playcaller Mike McDaniel, among the more notable moves.
With how quiet the Bolts have been so far, it can be suspected that the team could be in the process of making a big acquisition, as the team has been keeping tabs on AJ Brown.
Chargers Sign 4-Touchdown Tight End to $24.3 Million Deal