Da’Shawn Hand Signs One-Year Deal with Chargers

LOS ANGELES, March 13, 2025 — Defensive tackle Da’Shawn Hand has signed a one-year contract worth up to $3.35 million with the Los Angeles Chargers, according to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo. The move comes as part of the Chargers’ efforts to bolster their defensive line following the departure of Poona Ford to the Los Angeles Rams.

Hand, who spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, has a solid record in the NFL. In 2024, he participated in all 17 games, starting in two of them. He recorded 31 total tackles, five tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and one sack. His versatility on the field saw him utilized for 53% of Miami’s defensive snaps and 24% of special teams plays.

Originally selected by the Detroit Lions in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the 29-year-old Hand has played for four teams over his career, including the Lions, Tennessee Titans, and Dolphins. With Miami, he demonstrated his most productive season yet, totaling a career-high six tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.

Chargers fans are hopeful that Hand’s addition will help fill the void left by Ford, who was a key player in the team’s run defense. The Chargers allowed an average of 117.5 rushing yards per game in the previous season, ranking them 14th in the NFL. Enhancing their defensive capabilities is crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season in a competitive division.

Hand’s background includes an impressive college record at the University of Alabama, where he was part of two national championship teams in 2015 and 2017 and earned second-team All-SEC honors in both 2016 and 2017.

Alongside Hand, the Chargers also recently signed fellow Alabama alumni Najee Harris to a one-year deal, worth up to $9.25 million. Harris, who previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has established himself as one of the more durable running backs in the league, entering his fifth season without missing a game.