Tough Loss: The Los Angeles Chargers Agree to Terms with Defensive Tackle Da’Shawn Hand on a One-Year Contract Worth Up to $3.35 Million
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the football world, the Los Angeles Chargers have made a strategic acquisition on the defensive side of the ball. According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, the Chargers have agreed to terms with defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand on a one-year contract worth up to $3.35 million. The announcement marks a significant development for the Chargers, who have been focused on improving their defensive line as they strive to remain competitive in the AFC West. However, the deal also signifies a tough loss for the team that previously employed Hand—highlighting the ever-evolving nature of the NFL’s personnel decisions.
Hand, who has played in the NFL for several seasons, is no stranger to the rigors of professional football. After a standout career at Alabama, where he was a dominant force along the defensive line, he was selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. Since then, Hand has shown flashes of brilliance, but his career has been hampered by injuries. Despite his challenges, Hand’s talent and potential have always been evident, and the Chargers believe he can provide an immediate impact.
The Chargers’ Defensive Line and Hand’s Fit
The Chargers’ defense has been a mixed bag in recent seasons. With playmakers like Joey Bosa and Derwin James, the defense has been capable of creating havoc on opposing offenses. However, their defensive line has struggled with consistency, especially against the run. With the AFC West becoming increasingly competitive and with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders constantly improving, the Chargers need to build a defensive line capable of shutting down offenses that are armed with potent quarterbacks and explosive playmakers.
Enter Da’Shawn Hand. At 6-foot-4 and 297 pounds, Hand brings a combination of size, strength, and quickness to the defensive line. Though primarily a defensive tackle, Hand’s versatility allows him to move around the line of scrimmage and contribute in multiple ways. Whether it’s pressuring the quarterback, disrupting plays in the backfield, or occupying blockers to free up teammates, Hand is a valuable asset in any defensive scheme. The Chargers have a history of bringing in players who can help create depth on the defensive line, and Hand fits that mold perfectly.
Hand’s signing will undoubtedly provide depth to a defensive line that includes stalwarts like Bosa and linebacker Khalil Mack. By adding Hand, the Chargers now have more flexibility in terms of matchups, allowing them to rotate their defensive linemen more frequently and keep players fresh throughout the course of the game. This is particularly important given the wear and tear that defensive linemen often experience during the regular season.
Hand’s Potential Impact on the Chargers
Da’Shawn Hand’s talent has never been in question, and the Chargers are undoubtedly banking on his ability to make an immediate impact in 2025. While his NFL journey has been one of ups and downs, Hand’s time with the Lions showed that he has the ability to contribute at a high level when healthy. During his rookie season, Hand recorded 3.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits, demonstrating his potential as a pass rusher. He also showed promise in stopping the run, an area the Chargers could use improvement in.
In 2020, Hand’s production took a step back due to injuries, and he played in just seven games. However, by 2021, he had returned to form, making 16 appearances for the Lions and contributing on both the inside and outside of the defensive line. Despite playing in a rotation, Hand was able to accumulate 1.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, and 4 quarterback hits. While these numbers may not jump off the page, they indicate that Hand can provide a steady presence when on the field.
The Chargers are hoping that Hand can build on these performances and stay healthy for the entirety of the 2025 season. If he does, his ability to rush the passer from the interior could make a significant difference in the team’s defensive effectiveness. With Bosa and Mack on the edges, Hand’s presence in the middle could free up opportunities for other players to get to the quarterback, or it could give Bosa and Mack more one-on-one opportunities.
Additionally, Hand’s versatility allows the Chargers to deploy different defensive line combinations. His ability to line up as both a defensive tackle and a defensive end allows for greater scheme flexibility. Whether the Chargers decide to play a base 4-3 defense or switch to a 3-4 look, Hand can slot into various roles, giving defensive coordinator Brandon Staley more tools to work with.
The Financial Terms: $3.35 Million for One Year
From a financial perspective, Hand’s one-year contract worth up to $3.35 million is a solid deal for both parties. The Chargers have made it clear that they are focused on winning now, and Hand provides an affordable yet potentially impactful option along the defensive line. With a salary cap that has been tight for many teams across the league, including the Chargers, the one-year contract ensures that the team is not committing too heavily to Hand in case he doesn’t pan out. At the same time, if Hand plays well, the Chargers have the option of re-signing him for another year or exploring other long-term options.
For Hand, the deal provides a chance to prove his worth and rebuild his value on the open market. After a couple of seasons with injury issues, Hand is looking to re-establish himself as a key contributor in the NFL. The one-year contract gives him the opportunity to show what he can do in a new defensive system, alongside a talented group of players, and potentially earn a more lucrative deal in 2026. It’s a win-win situation for both parties if Hand can stay healthy and play at the level he is capable of.
The structure of the deal allows the Chargers to make a low-risk move with the potential for high reward. Given the salary cap constraints that most NFL teams face, the Chargers were able to bring in a player with significant upside at a relatively affordable price. Hand’s ability to contribute to both the pass rush and run defense gives him an opportunity to exceed expectations if he remains healthy and continues to develop.
A Tough Loss for the Detroit Lions
While the Chargers are celebrating the addition of Hand, the signing also represents a tough loss for the Detroit Lions. Hand had been a key member of the Lions’ defensive line for several years, and his departure leaves a hole in their depth chart. For the Lions, the move is part of an ongoing rebuild, as the team is looking to improve across the board. Hand’s departure is a reminder that the NFL is a constantly shifting landscape, where even players with potential can find themselves on the move due to scheme changes, injury concerns, or salary cap constraints.
The Lions had high hopes for Hand when they drafted him in 2018. At the time, Hand was viewed as a versatile defensive lineman who could contribute as both a pass rusher and run stuffer. His combination of size and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect. However, injuries have prevented Hand from fully living up to his potential in Detroit. While he has flashed brilliance at times, consistency has been elusive, and the Lions have been forced to look elsewhere to address their defensive needs.
From a team-building perspective, the Lions may feel that moving on from Hand was the right decision. The franchise has focused on younger talent in recent years, and it’s possible that the team felt Hand’s development had plateaued. By letting Hand go, the Lions are opening the door for younger players to take on a larger role in the defensive line rotation.
The signing of Da’Shawn Hand by the Los Angeles Chargers is a significant move for the team as they continue to bolster their defense in an effort to compete for an AFC Championship. With Hand’s ability to disrupt the quarterback and stop the run, the Chargers have added another piece to an already talented defensive line. If Hand can stay healthy and tap into his potential, he could play a key role in the team’s success this season.
For the Detroit Lions, it’s a tough loss, but one that may ultimately be in the best interest of both parties. Hand’s departure clears the way for younger players, while he now has the opportunity to prove himself on a new team. The NFL is a business, and in this case, the Chargers are hoping that Hand’s upside will pay off in a major way.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Hand to see if he can live up to the expectations set for him. For the Chargers, it’s a low-risk move that could pay big dividends. For Hand, it’s an opportunity to reinvent his career. Only time will tell if this move becomes a defining moment for both parties, but the potential is certainly there for success.