Why Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz Wins NFL Executive of the Year

The Los Angeles Chargers hired general manager Joe Hortiz to redefine the role and what it means to be a franchise at the cutting edge of roster construction. So far, Hortiz has backed up his words with a great draft haul, keen low-risk free agent acquisitions, and a handful of post-draft signings and trades. Where former general manager Tom Telesco opted to set his roster in May and watch proactive teams pass his team by, Hortiz works tirelessly to mine the league for the best cost-effective talent he can provide to head coach Jim Harbaugh. The difference is staggering, if not a bit infuriating as it becomes more apparent by the day that the previous regime lazily wasted 11 years of Philip Rivers and Justin Herbert's careers.

Chargers fans are beginning to believe Hortiz is the real deal. This begs the question: Can he win the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) Executive of the Year award in his first year with the team?

Below are the previous winners from 2013-2023, their team's record, games won over projection, and how far they went into the postseason.

All but one team won 2.5 or more games over their preseason projection, with nine of those 11 teams overperforming by 3.5 or more wins. Only one team did not make the postseason. A deep postseason run was not a requirement to win, as six of the 11 teams did not advance past the Divisional Round.

The clear outlier was the 2021 New England Patriots, who only won 0.5 games over expectation and ended up with a 10-7 record. The Patriots added a host of contributors through the draft and free agency, finding success and appearing to find stability after Tom Brady left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Based on recent history, Hortiz can contend for the award if the Chargers accomplish three of the following:

1. The Chargers win 2.5-3.5 or more games over their projected totals. This would require 11 or more wins with their current line set at 8.5. This is very possible given their unique coach-quarterback combination
2. The Chargers make the postseason in any capacity. Winning the AFC West would lock him in for the award, but that projection goes to the Kansas City Chiefs for now.
3. Several free agents and/or draft selections need to become key contributors. Early contenders are RB Gus Edwards, TE Hayden Hurst, C Bradley Bozeman, OT Joe Alt, and WR Ladd McConkey.

Chargers fans believe Harbaugh and Herbert can take care of the wins over projection. The high-end coaching, particularly on defense, should help with the career resurgence of several players Hortiz took a chance on. An Executive of the Year award would be the Chargers' first since A.J. Smith won in 2004. So far, Hortiz looks on pace to be an early contender for the title.