Chargers re-sign TE Stephen Anderson

The Chargers are bringing back a key depth piece at tight end, as the team announced on Monday that they are re-signing fifth-year pro Stephen Anderson.

Anderson played in all 16 games last season with three starts. In all, he finished the year with eight catches for 106 yards and no scores, but averaged a healthy 13.3 yards per receptions thanks to some notable effort after the catch.

Aside from his ability as a pass-catcher, Anderson was often used as the team’s primary run-blocking tight end after injuries struck both Virgil Green and Hunter Henry. Whether he was flexed out wide or connected to the tackle, Anderson showed hight effort, notching several key blocks that sprung some chunk plays on the ground.

Anderson fits the mold of the NFL’s modern-day H-back, a smaller, more-athletic tight end that can also work out of the backfield as a lead-blocker. He will re-join Donald Parham in the tight end room, as well as newly-signed veteran Jared Cook.

Compared to last year, this position is much more of a vertical threat heading into the 2021 season, a good sign for quarterback Justin Herbert and his rocket arm.