Answers at Wide Receiver for Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2025 NFL Free Agency with the second-most cap space, just behind the New England Patriots. There was a lot of hype regarding the Chargers building onto their 11-6 playoff squad from the 2024 season. Adding a big-time wide receiver into the fold was on many people’s wish list for the Bolts, but so far, the front office has yet to address that need. The Chargers were heavily linked to the likes of Davante Adams and D.K. Metcalf, but both players found new homes immediately. On Sunday, Adams signed with the Los Angeles Rams on a two-year deal while Metcalf was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and signed a long-term contract. Both of these big-bodied pass catchers would have been perfect fits with Ladd McConkey and the Chargers.
Four days into free agency, the Chargers have not struck any deals with big-name wide receivers. However, they did re-sign Jalen Reagor and brought back Mike Williams, who was with the team from 2017 until 2023. Williams brings Justin Herbert a familiar target, a big body to use outside and a 50/50 pass winner. Looking into the free agency pool for wide receivers, there are still plenty of good options the Chargers can target.
Amari Cooper, who ended last season with the Buffalo Bills, is a receiver the Chargers can greatly benefit from. He is a savvy route runner and would be someone that opposing defenses will have to plan for. Stefon Diggs, who is coming off a torn ACL, is an intriguing option. Before going down, the 10-year veteran showed that he still has some juice and could produce big numbers. In eight games last year, Diggs tallied up 496 receiving yards and scored four total touchdowns. Recently released, Cooper Kupp has made it known that he would like to stay on the West Coast, so why not just make him move locker rooms? Kupp would be an excellent mentor for McConkey and can still get open thanks to his precise route-running abilities. The Chargers can always go back to their roots, bring back a fan favorite, and reunite the band by signing Keenan Allen. He was Herbert’s favorite target and could provide an extra spark to the Chargers’ pass game, especially in third-down situations where Allen seems to be at his best.
Finding someone to be in between McConkey and Williams is very crucial. A wide receiver room with McConkey, Williams and Quentin Johnston as your top three options is way too similar to last season. It clearly did not work at the time and it hurt the Chargers in big games. Adding one of the mentioned veterans to this room could elevate the offense exponentially.
