The Los Angeles Chargers are in need of a wide receiver and having recently saved over $25 million by cutting their iconic pass rusher Joey Bosa, have more than enough money to get one. After waiting for their 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston to fulfill the potential he showed in college, but the former TCU man has failed to deliver.
PFSN’s recent free agent predictions article suggests the team stops waiting on Johnston and signs a proven stud. And with a host of big-name talent at the position set to hit free agency, the Chargers won’t be short of options.
Can the Chargers Get It Right at Receiver?
Rookie receiver Ladd McConkey was the Chargers’ outstanding receiver in 2024, immediately making himself at home in the NFL. McConkey made 16 appearances, catching 82 of 112 targets for 1149 yards and seven touchdowns. But outside of McConkey, nobody in the Chargers receiving corps stood out.
Quentin Johnston had some strong showings in his second NFL season, catching four passes for 118 yards and a score in week nine, before finishing the year with 13 catches for 186 yards in week 18. But outside of those two games, Johnston failed to top 51 receiving yards in any game as familiar issues with drops plagued him yet again.
If the Chargers are to make a significant playoff run, they need a surer pair of hands on the outside.
And that sure pair of hands may come in the form of former Green Bay Packer Davante Adams. The six-time Pro-Bowler is looking for a new team after being cut by the New York Jets. While the entire organization seemed to crumble around him in 2024, Adams tallied seven touchdowns in his final seven games as a Jet to cement his status as one of the league’s top receivers.
Davante Adams is far and away the most impactful free agent available right now and potentially the most fantasy relevant this season.
32 years old, but averaged 17.2 PPG last season.pic.twitter.com/ImuvlLPJJq
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) March 4, 2025
Justin Herbert was one of the most efficient passers throwing outside the numbers in 2024. The problem is that Herbert only targeted the perimeter on 49% of his passes, his lowest rate since his rookie season in 2020.
Diversifying the passing game beyond Ladd McConkey is critical for Los Angeles to take a step forward. There’s a perception that Adams’ numbers were inflated because his good friend Aaron Rodgers force-fed him the ball. But in reality, Adams’ target rate with the Jets (29.0%) almost precisely matched what it was during his Raiders tenure (28.9%).
The Chargers have ample cap room to fit Adams, who shouldn’t command a massive contract in value or years at this point. Adding a genuine perimeter threat could allow the Chargers to finally cash in on Herbert’s promise and win their first playoff game since 2018.