Joe Hortiz couldn’t afford even the slightest slip-up. Especially with the Chargers‘ PR team keeping a close watch. The Chargers had a successful season under new HC Jim Harbaugh, making it to the playoffs. They eventually lost in the wild-card round against the Texans. But climbing from the bottom to the second-best in their division was an improvement. With Justin Herbert and Co. gearing up for the 2025 season, the team is on the verge of several changes. Of course, roster updates and coaching staff shifts are expected, along with fresh rookies joining the ranks. But there’s one change that could spark even more excitement among fans.
Well, like we already know, the NFL used to have a rule that teams could only use one helmet design each season. But in 2022, the league allowed franchises to have a second helmet that they could use with special alternate uniforms. Now, lately, there have been reports that the Chargers will be debuting alternate helmets this season. It looks like that might just be true because the team’s GM, Joe Hortiz, has kind of dropped a hint about it.
On Wednesday, Hortiz joined Kay Adams for a conversation, and the host asked him about the rumors floating around. Kay Adams urged Joe to confirm if the team is for real going with alternate helmets. Interestingly, Hortiz couldn’t give a clear answer because the Chargers’ PR team had a “laser trained” on the GM. But he did admit that there might be some changes happening.
“I can’t confirm anything because right over here in the corner is one of our PR people… But, uh, you know I know we dabble with some stuff, so there, you know, I’m sure there’s something coming. I don’t know,” said Hortiz. Host Kay Adams gave it one more shot, hoping Joe would spill the beans. But the Chargers GM stayed tight-lipped, though not without giving away more than he probably intended. “There was one day they were out on the balcony here, overlooking the fields, and they had curtains all wrapped around. I’m like, ‘What’s going on behind the curtain?’ And they stopped me from going behind it, they were doing some secretive photo shoot back there,” he recalled.
Sounds like something’s cooking behind those curtains. While Hortiz played coy about the alternate helmets, he was much more candid when the topic shifted to something more pressing – getting Justin Herbert some help.
Joe Hortiz keeps door open for boosting WR room
This offseason, addressing the WR room was a top priority for the Chargers brass. In the draft, they had a total of 10 picks. Joe Hortiz and the Chargers front office selected Tre Harris from Ole Miss in Round 2 with the No. 55 pick. Then in Round 5, they picked up KeAndre Lambert-Smith from Auburn. In March, the team also brought back Mike Williams on a one-year contract. This will be Williams’ second stint with the Chargers, having played with them before for seven seasons.
But this might not be enough for GM Joe Hortiz. The 49-year-old is still looking to add more depth to help quarterback Justin Herbert. While speaking to Kay Adams, the Chargers GM shared that he’s open to bringing in more receivers to round out the roster. “I think we’re going to see what we have out there this weekend and through OTAs. But I’d never say we’re done adding anything.”
Hortiz explained that signing safety Tony Jefferson last June and trading for Elijah Molden were moves that worked in the Chargers’ favor. He said those additions helped the team during the season. And that’s why they’re always open to adding more players to improve the roster. As for wide receivers, they might still be a bit salty about the Steelers not letting them land George Pickens in a trade. Now that Pickens will be a Cowboys player and wear the star soon, the top remaining free-agent receivers are Amari Cooper, Gabe Davis, Nelson Agholor, and Tyler Boyd. Would any of them fit the Chargers’ roster? What do you think?
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