It will be Super Bowl or bust for the Los Angeles Chargers next season as the team believes it has made the requisite offseason moves to finally get over the hump in the AFC. Still, in the free agent market, there are still a ton of opportunities to make the team even better, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
With news of the release of Tyreek Hill, and the addition of his former head coach Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator in LA, there are signs that he could reunite with him, this time on the Chargers and as a primary weapon for Justin Herbert. While Hill has had his share of injuries, including last year’s season-ending one, he still has the juice to help elevate a WR room that may need a new veteran receiver to carry the load for the team.
A Reunion That Makes Too Much Sense?
This move may not even have been a thought in the Chargers’ minds had Keenan Allen been likely to come back for another year. Now though, it is looking far more likely that Allen will hit the free agency market, with his contract set to expire in mid March. While he had over 770 yards last year, chances are his best years are behind him, especially as a WR1.
That is why Hill is now firmly on the Chargers radar despite his own age and injury concerns. After all, in his last fully healthy season in 2024, he still was able to haul in 81 catches for just under 1,000 yards and six touchdowns.
The concerns with Hill may not just stem from any major concerns, but with his contract as well. In 2024, he signed a contract over three years worth 90 million dollars. While his release may have lowered that price and the Chargers will have plenty of cap space to pull off any move, the risk of taking on a huge contract, the Chargers may not be willing to bite the bullet.
An Offensive Arsenal Built to Explode
Still, thoughts of the dynamic play of Hill when paired with McDaniel in Miami will make Chargers fans dream. Especially when you think about Justin Herbert’s level of play over the last three years compared to Tua’s, it could be a match made in heaven if Hill can get back to his best form. While he may have lost a step over the years, he would immediately become the speediest option in the Chargers’ WR room.
Now, imagine a WR room with Hill, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and then add in second year tight end Oronde Gadsden Jr. That may be the most balanced room in the entire NFL, and it will all be under the watchful eye of Mike McDaniel. Obviously, a Harbaugh coached team will never truly predicate itself on the passing game, but with that array of weapons, it will truly open up different avenues for this offense.
Hill comes with a lot of baggage, but for a team looking to get over the hump, it could be well worth the risk
Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a passionate and knowledgeable sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ pursuing a role in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard
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