The Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday agreed to terms with defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand.
Here are five things to know about Hand:
1. Making his way from Miami
Hand joins the Chargers after two years along the interior in Miami.
The veteran defensive lineman has played 33 games (two starts) over the last pair of seasons and provided solid work for the Dolphins.
And 2024 was perhaps his best year on paper as a pro as Hand notched a career high in tackles (31) and tackles for loss (five) to go along with a forced fumble and a pass defensed.
It coincided with a career-high in snaps, as Hand played 563 defensive snaps (10th-most on team) and also contributed with 108 special teams snaps.
2. Stout against the run in 2023
Hand's best season of his seven-year career came during his first season in Miami in 2023.
Playing more of a rotational role Hand posted an 85.0 Pro Football Focus grade, which was good for eighth among all defensive linemen that season.
He was particularly good against the run as well as he had the fourth-best run defense grade (79.6) among all players at his position.
The Los Angeles Chargers agreed to terms with defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand.
Detroit Lions defensive end Da'Shawn Hand plays against the New York Giants during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions defensive end Da'Shawn Hand (93) walks off the field after the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Detroit Lions defensive end Da'Shawn Hand (93) reacts after a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Indianapolis Colts tackle Matt Pryor (69) blocks Tennessee Titans defensive end Da'Shawn Hand (94) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand (93) walks off of the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) is stopped by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand (90) walks on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand (90) runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand (90) stands on the sidelines during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Nov. 24 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
3. A handful of stops
The defensive lineman began his NFL career after being a fourth-round pick by the Lions in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Hand spent four seasons in Detroit tallying 29 games (11 starts), 54 tackles, three forced fumbles and 3.0 sacks throughout his time there.
And after a couple of stints on the Colts and Titans practice squads, Hand played two games in Tennessee before eventually joining the Dolphins later in his career.
Overall, Hand has played a career 64 games and racked up 102 tackles, 5.0 sacks, four forced fumbles and 12 tackles for loss.
4. Former Alabama star
Hand spent his collegiate days at one of the nation's top programs.
The defensive lineman played at Alabama starting as a true freshman in 2014, as he became a stalwart all four seasons along the interior.
He won two National Championships during his time with the Crimson Tide, notching a career-high two tackles for loss in his first one during the 2015 season.
Hand had his best season as a senior, where he earned Second-Team All-SEC honors following 27 defensive stops, 3.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks as Alabama won another national title.
5. Elite prospect out of Virginia
Hand was a heavily recruited prospect heading into college and was pursued by some of college football's best.
Before landing with the Crimson Tide, Hand was a unanimous five-star prospect and listed as the country's top recruit of his class by some outlets.
He was a Virginia All-State selection his final two years at Woodbridge High School, amassing 56 sacks across his four years.
Not to mention he also has a background in wrestling during his time on the gridiron, winning a Virginia state championship.
