Chargers follow Antonio Gates trend, sign SEC basketball player to UDFA deal

The 2025 NFL Draft came and went with plenty of surprises, most notably being the fall of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. After the draft ended on Saturday, undrafted free agent deals were announced left and right all around the league. 

And, there was a major surprise from the Los Angeles Chargers. Jim Harbaugh's team signed a former Mississippi State basketball star to a deal. 

According to Jordan Schultz, Mississippi State hoops star Jimmy Bell Jr. signed a deal with the Chargers as an offensive tackle. 

Bell played two seasons at Saint Louis with the Billikens then one with West Virginia before playing the 2023-24 season with Mississippi State. He even spent time at Moberly Area Junior College, but now he is going from the hardwood to the football field. 

JIMMY BELL JR. 🔥#HailState🐶 || 📺 »https://t.co/zzFxfT8BCM pic.twitter.com/aClNI7K4xZ

This might ring a bell for Chargers fans, too. Former tight end Antonio Gates - who is headed for the Pro Football Hall of Fame - played basketball at Kent State before making the transition to the NFL, and it worked out swimmingly for him. 

Does it happen with Bell? Only time will tell, but his 6-foot-9 frame and high-level athleticism make it a strong signing for LA. 

MORE NFL DRAFT:

• Shedeur Sanders will start when he's ready and could rescue Browns QB woes
• Browns could've had Shedeur Sanders-Travis Hunter combination
• Raiders' Jack Bech draft pick honors brother Tiger after death
• Geno Smith, Jalen Milroe will be forever linked by NFL Draft