The NFL has arrived in Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
That includes, of course, Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz, Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and a number of other coaches and staff that have touched down in Indy as they prepare for a full week ahead.
Hortiz kicked off the week with his annual press conference from the Combine, where he spoke for the first time since the end of season press conference over a month ago.
The Chargers General Manager tackled a number of topics over his session, including expressing how fired up he was to have new Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel a part of the process this year.
"There's excitement about what we're going to do, and he's so excited about it. His excitement rubs off on you right away," Hortiz said. "Really looking forward to it, we've discussed some players in free agency. He'll get more involved in the draft process now once we go through the Combine.
"I'm really looking forward to it. He's been an evaluator his whole life and he loves this part of the process," Hortiz added.
The Main Thing
The New League Year is a handful of weeks away, meaning the topic of impending free agents was a big one.
The Chargers have a total of 26 players slated to hit free agency on March 11, including some big names like Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh.
Hortiz was asked about the pair of edge rushers on Tuesday.
"They know we want them back," Hortiz said. "I think when players go into free agency once the season ends, it takes a little bit of time but we'll keep chipping away at it and see if we can get something done with them."
"I have no problem having a bunch of great edge rushers," Hortiz later added.
Hortiz also touched on Zion Johnson, who is also slated to hit the open market for the first time in his career.
"We'll meet with his agent this week. We've talked to him already and we'll continue the dialogue," Hortiz said.
He later added: "We'll see what happens with Zion, where the market goes, if he gets to the market. We'll stay engaged with him through the process."
Hortiz and the front office have shown a willingness to get deals with potential free agents done before the date comes, like this year with Teair Tart, so it will be something to watch for in the coming weeks.
Tweet of the Day
There's no doubt the Bolts are excited to see what Chris O'Leary will do with this defense.
Hortiz raved about the new Chargers Defensive Coordinator on Tuesday and how he impressed in the interview process.
A Peek Ahead
On-field drills don't start until Thursday, but prospects are trickling in as the days progress.
Wednesday will feature the defensive linemen and linebackers speaking to the media, the first position groups to step to the podium in Indianapolis.
With a number of edge rushers and defensive linemen mocked to the Chargers in pre-Combine mock drafts, it will be one to keep an eye on.
