TE Hayden Hurst intends to sign with Chargers

Hurst was released by the Panthers after one season with the team. His debut campaign in Charlotte was cut short due to a concussion which resulted in a diagnosis of post-traumatic amnesia, and Carolina elected to move on despite two years remaining on his deal.

Hurst was drafted No. 25 overall by the Ravens in 2018, a time when Joe Hortiz played a central role in Baltimore’s scouting efforts. After a lengthy tenure with Baltimore’s front office, Hortiz is now the Chargers’ general manager. 

After his minor league baseball career ended, Hurst entered the NFL with considerable expectations given his draft status. Fellow 2018 draftee Mark Andrews claimed the Ravens’ starting TE role, though, leading Hurst to request a trade and finding himself in Atlanta. The Falcons drafted Kyle Pitts after Hurst's first season with the team, limiting his usage during the 2021 campaign. That was followed by one-year stints with Cincinnati and Carolina, during which time Hurst started 21 of a possible 22 contests.

The South Carolina alum will now compete for playing time with Dissly, who agreed to a three-year, $14M deal on Monday. He and Hurst will take over from Gerald Everett in the starting lineup after his departure in free agency. 

Hurst will re-join offensive coordinator Greg Roman. The two worked together in Baltimore. Roman has an affinity for the run game and two-tight end sets, a setup which could benefit both Dissly and Hurst. The latter will aim to remain healthy in 2024 while again trying to carve out a starter’s role.