“DONE DEAL: Veteran wide receiver Willie Snead has signed a tryout contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, as reported by multiple sources including ESPN’s Kris Rhim……………
LOS ANGELES — Veteran wide receiver Willie Snead has signed a tryout contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to multiple sources, including ESPN’s Kris Rhim. The 31-year-old wideout will look to impress during training camp as the Chargers continue to build out their receiving corps ahead of the 2025 NFL season.
Snead, who entered the league in 2014 as an undrafted free agent out of Ball State, brings over a decade of NFL experience to the table. Known for his precise route-running, strong hands, and locker room leadership, Snead has played for several teams over his career, including the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and most recently, the San Francisco 49ers.
While he has not been a regular contributor in recent seasons, Snead’s experience and football IQ make him an intriguing addition to the Chargers’ offseason plans. With wide receiver depth becoming a concern for the team following key departures and injuries, Snead’s arrival offers both veteran insurance and healthy competition.
During his most productive seasons from 2015 to 2017 with the Saints, Snead logged over 2,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Though he has seen limited action since, appearing in only a handful of games in recent years, he remained a respected presence in locker rooms and on special teams.
The Chargers, now under head coach Jim Harbaugh, have made a number of strategic moves this offseason to reshape the roster. With the departure of top receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams earlier this year, Los Angeles is leaning heavily on younger talent like Quentin Johnston and rookie Ladd McConkey. Snead’s potential role would likely be as a depth option and mentor for the team’s young receiving unit.
Analysts suggest that Snead’s tryout is a low-risk move that could pay dividends if he proves he can still contribute in a rotational role or on special teams. “He’s not being brought in to be WR1,” one AFC executive told ESPN. “But with the kind of locker room presence he brings, he’s the type of guy you want during a long season.”
For Snead, the tryout represents another opportunity to extend his NFL journey. Known for his perseverance and work ethic, Snead has carved out a career that few undrafted players manage to sustain. The Chargers’ minicamp and training sessions over the coming weeks will be crucial for Snead to showcase his value and earn a spot on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
The Chargers are expected to host a number of free agents and veterans during the lead-up to training camp, and Snead will be among the most experienced. While a tryout deal doesn’t guarantee a roster spot, it does open the door for one more chapter in Willie Snead’s NFL story.
What’s Next?
Snead will report to the Chargers’ training facility this week and participate in organized team activities. Final roster decisions will begin to take shape in July, with preseason action kicking off in August.
—End of Report—
About the Author
