New Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz was formally introduced at a press conference on Tuesday. After attending head coach Jim Harbaugh’s media availability last Thursday, Hortiz got an opportunity to lay out his own vision and take questions.
Hortiz stressed the point of collaboration with Jim Harbaugh when asked about decision-making from an organizational standpoint. Echoing the “Batman and Robin” sentiment Harbaugh expressed last week, Hortiz acknowledged that the offseason will be a time for him to lead in contrast with when the games kick off in September.
Process, discussion, and collaboration are phrases that consistently came up in his presser. He says he learned from Ozzie Newsome and Eric DeCosta in Baltimore and that communication from the top on down in the organization is critical for success, especially in player evaluation.
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz says the Ravens' player evaluation process is good because of communication, from the GM to the head coach, down on to the scouts.
"That's the true secret. When you have the connection, the collaboration as an organization-that's how you win."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) February 6, 2024
Hortiz also talked a lot about comp picks, mentioning that he’s a big fan of them as a team-building method. He also harped on the realities of the cap in conjunction with comp picks. Some players are going to walk every year in free agency as a reality. He referred to the process of getting comp picks as yearly cycles the team will go through.
In 2022, the Ravens received a slew of three mid-round comp picks. One of those choices that year would turn into TE Isaiah Likely in the fourth round at 139. Since 2013, the Ravens have had just two draft classes with seven player selections or fewer. The Chargers, in that same timeframe, have had eight such classes.
Hortiz talked about the cap situation after he was asked about some of the maneuvering they will have to do this offseason. He credited Ed McGuire and many of the “smart people” who are in the organization in terms of crunching the numbers and taking care of the logistics.
In response to a question about “ripping the band-aid off” financially with respect to the Chargers’ cap situation and restructured contracts, Hortiz made it clear that LA wants to compete in 2024.
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz: "Our goal is to build a winner every year…That's going to be starting now. It's not going to be gut it and start over. What balance of players gives us the best chance to compete this year?"
"We're not mailing in a season."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) February 6, 2024
That statement means that the Chargers will most likely weigh immediate 2024 success in their plan for what to do with their big 4 restructured contracts of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa, and Khalil Mack.
Hortiz finished off his press conference by discussing the value of draft selections when asked about the fifth pick. The new Chargers’ GM made it very clear that every pick is important to the organization, mentioning their first-rounder, a second-rounder, and even a compensatory seventh they’re projected to receive this offseason.
Hortiz also mentioned the trade market and the opportunity that comes with looking at deals at the deadline or any point on the calendar. Tom Telesco’s tenure was defined by being relatively inactive on the trade market outside of a few draft-day pick swaps.
