Chargers quietly benched disappointing free-agent signing

The Los Angeles Chargers added a good amount of playmakers to surround Justin Herbert over the offseason. One under-the-radar signing seemed to be veteran tight end Tyler Conklin, who had a recent history of producing on bad offenses.

Conklin came into 2025 with at least 50 receptions in each of the last four seasons and was thought to be an upgrade over Will Dissly. Six games into this season and the signing seems to be a bust. In the Chargers' 29-27 win against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the Chargers seemed to shut the door that Conklin could be useful in their offense.

The veteran played just three offensive snaps on Sunday and didn't record a catch. Rookie Oronde Gadsden II looked to have taken the starting role, as he hauled in seven catches for 68 yards. Despite losing a fumble, the Chargers were completely behind their rookie, who had his best game as a pro so far outside of the turnover.

Even Dissly recorded two catches for 18 yards. The fact that Conklin can't even get on the field pretty much shows that the Chargers have seen enough and will roll with Gadsden and Dissly moving forward. Luckily, Conklin signed for just $3 million for one year, so it's not like the Chargers are going to be out on a massive amount of money.