Chargers' Mike McDaniel Used Unique Tactic to Secure Top Free Agent Targets

Chargers OC plastered 'Wanted' posters around GM's office to land RB Keaton Mitchell and FB Alec Ingold.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:50am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting football players and equipment in a dynamic, geometric composition using bold, contrasting colors.An avant-garde illustration captures the strategic chess match between Chargers coaches and front office as they pursue their top free agent targets.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel took an unconventional approach to get the attention of GM Joe Hortiz on his top free agent targets this offseason. Instead of a typical spreadsheet or film session, McDaniel printed out 'Wanted' posters for running back Keaton Mitchell and fullback Alec Ingold, then plastered them all over Hortiz's office walls. The strategy worked, as the Chargers were able to sign both players in March.

Why it matters

McDaniel's unique tactic highlights the creative lengths coaches will go to in order to land their top free agent priorities. With the Chargers looking to improve their run game and protect star QB Justin Herbert, securing Mitchell and Ingold was crucial. The move also shows the strong working relationship between McDaniel and Hortiz, with the GM willing to play along with the OC's unorthodox approach.

The details

According to Hortiz, McDaniel put up the 'Wanted' posters as a way to get his attention on the two players he wanted the most. The strategy paid off, as the Chargers were able to sign both Mitchell and Ingold in free agency. Mitchell is coming off a strong 2025 season with the Dolphins, rushing for 341 yards on 59 carries (5.8 ypc). Ingold, also previously with Miami, is regarded as one of the league's top fullbacks and will provide key blocking for the Chargers' run game.

  • In March 2026, the Chargers officially signed RB Keaton Mitchell and FB Alec Ingold.
  • In Week 15 of the 2025 season, Mitchell had 66 rushing yards on 8 carries (8.2 ypc) in a 24-0 win over the Bengals.

The players

Mike McDaniel

The offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, known for his creative approach to player personnel decisions.

Joe Hortiz

The general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers, who worked with McDaniel on securing the team's top free agent targets.

Keaton Mitchell

A running back who the Chargers signed in free agency after playing for the Miami Dolphins in 2025, where he averaged 5.8 yards per carry.

Alec Ingold

A fullback who the Chargers signed in free agency after playing for the Miami Dolphins in 2025, regarded as one of the league's top lead blockers.

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What they’re saying

“Mike put up a wanted reward for a couple players. So he's gonna owe a little bit of money to us, you know, since we delivered on both of them.”

— Joe Hortiz, General Manager, Los Angeles Chargers

What’s next

The Chargers will look to integrate Mitchell and Ingold into their offense during the upcoming 2026 NFL season, with the goal of improving their run game and protecting star quarterback Justin Herbert.

The takeaway

McDaniel's creative 'Wanted' poster tactic highlights the innovative lengths coaches will go to in order to land their top free agent priorities. By securing Mitchell and Ingold, the Chargers have given McDaniel the exact tools he needs to revamp their run game and support Herbert, showing the strong working relationship between the coaching staff and front office.