Greetings, Bolts From The Blue!
As the first week of the 2024 Free Agency wraps up, the Chargers have secured two more players to bolster their roster. Linebacker Troy Dye and defensive lineman Poona Ford are the latest additions under the leadership of Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz. Both veterans have inked one-year deals to join Jesse Minter’s defensive lineup.
#Vikings LB and special teamer Troy Dye is signing with the #Chargers on a 1-year deal, source said. MIN wanted him back, but Dye will have a chance to play more of a role on defense in LA.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2024
Troy Dye, known for his prowess as a linebacker and special teams contributor, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2020 draft from Oregon. While his starting appearances have been limited to just eight out of 60 games during his tenure in Minnesota (13.3%), his impact shines on special teams, where he commanded 67% of available snaps last season. Standing tall at 6’3 and weighing 225 pounds, his size brings valuable physicality to the special teams unit. With the Chargers in need of linebacker depth, Dye fills this gap admirably, poised to further enhance Ryan Ficken’s stellar work with the Bolts’ special teams.
#Chargers are signing defensive tackle Poona Ford to a one-year deal, per league sources. Outstanding situation as far as playing time and chance to hit market next year as ascending player, plus on ground floor of Jim Harbaugh era @KPRC2 @TexasLonghorns
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 14, 2024
Poona Ford, with five seasons at the Seattle Seahawks and a brief stint at the Buffalo Bills in 2023, brings a unique dynamic to the Chargers. Standing at a stout 5’11 and weighing 310 pounds, Ford is a formidable force in stopping the run, adept at closing lanes and leveraging his shorter stature against double teams. Although his sack numbers may not dazzle, tallying just 8.5 over six seasons, his 92 pressures during that time highlight his ability to collapse the interior pocket. This skill set fills a void in the current roster, making Ford a strategic addition to a position group in need of experience.
