Earlier this off-season the Los Angeles Chargers were in the market for new playmakers. They picked up bigger names like J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, D.J. Chark, and Hayden Hurst, amongst other Chargers free-agent signings.
However, the best of the bunch might just be the 28-year-old Will Dissly.
Chargers Free Agent Signing is Breaking out at 28 Years Old
Why The Chargers Signed Will Dissly
In a previous article written about Dissly and his impact on the Bolts, the reasoning for his signing was described as follows:
“The 2023 Chargers team had the worst run-blocking grade across the entire league. The Offensive line was banged up and out of sync, and the tight ends were atrocious. The Chargers’ average run-blocking grade amongst their tight ends which took ten or more snaps is 42.4. This average would rank out 115/124 in the league across all tight ends with 10 or more run-blocking snaps. Needless to say, the running game was atrocious.”
The need was most definitely there for the Chargers offense… but only for his blocking ability. His ability as a receiver was mentioned to be not a big part of his game, as he had 172 yards in 2023.
Chargers Free Agent Signee: His Seahawk Years
In football terms, being 28 years old at the tight end position is like finally getting those senior citizen benefits. You may not be done living your life out, but you’re definitely in the latter stages.
During his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, Will Dissly was relied upon as the main blocking tight end, while catching checkdowns and being that reliable outlet for Russell Wilson and Geno Smith.
The receiving tight-end role was delegated to the likes of Noah Fant, Colby Parkinson, and Gerald Everett.
Better Late Than Never: The Breakout Season
Dissly is now with the Chargers showing that his age does not define him. He has begun his breakout as a receiver. He may not wow you in really any department in regards to receiving, but he just makes it work.
Whether it is the slowest juke imaginable, running you over or stiff-arming you to a different dimension, the former Seattle Seahawk is picking up yardage.
Will Dissly stiff arms the competition
📺: #LACvsAZ on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/kX6oskvwcb
— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2024
Dissly has already surpassed his 2023 season total for receiving yards, and the Chargers have only played 6 games. Beyond the receiving yardage totals, this season has already had Dissly third in yards after catch across his entire career.
Will Dissly is on pace for 544 receiving yards this year, which would absolutely shatter his career high (currently 349). He already has more yards in 2024 (192) than he did in all of 2023 (172). pic.twitter.com/VVNVeLFayp
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) October 22, 2024
Furthermore, the screen game has run through Dissly, whether he is the lead blocker for the running backs or the receiving target.
Will Dissly being one of the league leaders in TE yards per route run just because they spring him on a 20 yard screen every week is one of my favorite bits of the season. Honestly, he deserves with how great he is blocking for the Chargers right now. pic.twitter.com/Pf6E7XvMRl
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) October 15, 2024
The main reason behind this breakout season for Dissly is due to opportunity. The Chargers have yet to receive any other receiving outlet from the tight end position, which has led Dissly to step into a larger role than initially thought, and he has performed very well.
Let’s not forget that the benefit of playing with Justin Herbert is real too. For better or for worse, Herbert can elevate those around him, and Dissly is a major product of such as well.
Will Dissly’s 2024 Stats Through Six Games
- 21 Catches
- 192 Yards
- 76.2 PFF Pass Blocking Grade
- 57.8 PFF Run Blocking Grade
- 145 YAC Yards
- 4 Missed Tackles Forced
The opportunity given to Dissly is something he is doing everything in his power to maximize. He may not be the uber-athletic receiving tight end Chargers fans want, but he brings tenacity, leadership, reliability, and physicality to the offense.
The late breakout star should be something Chargers fans are grateful for. Dissly truly plays his tail off and genuinely fits the identity of this offense. That is rare… just like being a 28-year-old breaking out in the NFL.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
