Chargers Insider Views LA's Young TE as Surprise Standout From The Offseason

They re-signed him for a reason!

Much of the hype surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive side of things heading into the 2023 season is attributed to a number of stars in Justin Herbert, Mike Williams and Keenan Allen all taking the field together again along with Kellen Moore overseeing them. Add in Austin Ekeler returning for at least one more year and Quentin Johnston being their future WR and there are plenty of reasons to be excited.

And even though Johnston is looking like he was the right person to roll with in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, many fans were still questioning why LA didn't target a TE due to them already having a number of solid receivers.The Bolts' front office revealed that the board just didn't play out for them in that directions and no TE's were available that had blown them away like Johnston had.

Seeing how Donald Parham Jr. was brought back by the Bolts as one of their early offseason moves, it's clear they have big plans for him. ESPN's Lindsey Thiry described  his minicamp play as quite impressive and she believes he could take a nice leap in 2023.

"The Chargers were expected to add a tight end in the draft, but after three days and seven picks, none was selected. Coach Brandon Staley at the time expressed

confidence in the ability of Parham

, who re-signed on a two-year, $1.4 million contract. Parham spent significant time sidelined last season because of a hamstring injury but flashed during 7-on-7 play at the Bolts' two-day minicamp, highlighted by a deep catch down the sideline from quarterback

Justin Herbert

."

(Via ESPN)

It's pretty clear that Parham will need to get more comfortable playing alongside Herbert for him to really contribute but with Moore offering a more versatile playbook, this shouldn't be an issue.

Herbert had plenty of positive things to say about him.

"He moves so well for his height," said Herbert. "He's been able to make plays over the past couple of years. It's always a bonus for your team when he's out on the field. His catch radius is huge."

(Via ESPN)

I cannot wait to see more of this connection in 2023!