Popper: Kolar a breakout candidate for 2026

The Chargers signed Kolar and David Njoku in the offseason, adding them to a tight end room containing Oronde Gadsden. Popper mentions Njoku and Gadsden both “impact the game more as receivers than blockers.” Kolar is the best run blocker among the trio with pass-catching upside, finishing last season with 10 receptions for 142 yards behind Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews with the Ravens. All three are capable pass-catchers and allows the Chargers to use three-tight-end sets, something Popper said the team was testing out in practice Wednesday. Njoku and Gadsden will likely have more fantasy relevancy as pass-catchers but Popper believes Kolar’s “complete skill set” can make him the TE1 in Mike McDaniel’s offense.

Rhim specifically cites former Dolphins TE Jonnu Smith, who posted an 88/886/8 receiving line, while totaling 505 yards after the catch under McDaniel in 2024. McDaniel and TEs coach Chandler Henley plan to create a “run-pass conflict” for opposing defenses, which starts at the tight end position. The offense will expectedly use two-tight end sets often. Rhim notes that Njoku, 29, has “been one of the league’s best tight ends at yards after catch for the past decade,” although he “is coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro” and has been bothered by lower-body injuries recently. Whether Njoku has enough left in the tank to handle TE1 duties remains to be seen. It is worth noting that Rhim never once mentioned TE Charlie Kolar in the article, suggesting he is stuck in the TE3 spot behind Njoku and second-year TE Oronde Gadsden.

The Chargers have used free agency to stockpile players custom made for McDaniel’s Shanahan-style offense, including fullback Alex Ingold and tight end Charlie Kolar. Popper describes Kolar as “an elite run blocker who is an ideal fit in McDaniel’s movement offense” who “will allow Oronde Gadsden to play in a role that maximizes the 2025 fifth-round pick’s receiving skill set.” Gadsden was a welcome surprise in fantasy circles last season, totaling 664 yards and three touchdowns on 49 receptions. He ranked 14th among 50 qualifying tight ends in yards per route run, in line with Tyler Warren and Harold Fannin. If he runs 60 or 70 percent of the Chargers’ routes in 2026, Gadsden could be a tight end to target late in drafts.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero said this makes Kolar “the NFL’s highest-paid blocking tight end.” We’re not sure that’s something that can be officially verified, but it does pass the smell test. As many former Ravens have done, Kolar now goes from playing under John Harbaugh in Baltimore to Jim Harbaugh in LA. With the Chargers also signing Alec Ingold today, it’s clear Mike McDaniel is picking the guys he needs to run his offense. Kolar only caught 10 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns last year. He isn’t a fantasy factor, but he could take the field enough to stifle a breakout from Oronde Gadsden.

Kolar’s 2024 season peaked via an overall TE7 finish in Week 5, catching 3-of-4 targets for 64 yards and one touchdown but he never caught more than one target in a game after that. Kolar is not up for draft-day consideration in 2025 re-draft leagues but he can be stashed in exceptionally deep dynasty formats.

It is unclear when the rotational tight end suffered the injury but it is possible this is a re-injury. He recently dealt with an arm issue. Kolar is among the position’s better backups. Hopefully, he can return to play as the Ravens attempt a comeback against the Bills.

Kolar will resume his TE3 role this week versus the Browns. It’s not a fantasy-relevant job, but it will provide a small boost to Baltimore’s ground game.

Kolar was designated to return Monday from injured reserve, and he was able to practice in full for all three sessions ahead of the season finale against the Steelers. He’s not a fantasy option even if he does play, but it’s a welcome boost for the Ravens for their playoff push.

His 21-day window opens today and he is apparently practicing ahead of Baltimore’s Week 18 game against the Browns. Kolar broke his arm in late November against the Chargers. The third-year tight end will get back into the Baltimore TE rotation with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely once activated.

He broke his arm in Baltimore’s win over the Chargers, but played through it in the fourth quarter. Based on the language used in the report, it would be surprising if he didn’t hit injured reserve, which would knock him out until at least Week 18. While the Ravens haven’t used him all that often as a receiver, Kolar’s absence will free up more snaps for Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews down the stretch.