The Los Angeles Chargers have proven that no matter the need at certain positions, they could also be willing to make major swings in the free agent market that could not only improve their roster, but extend their Super Bowl window. Several say that while the IOL needs some fixing, making moves at the wide receiver position could be what takes them over the top.
According to several reports, the Chargers could be one of several teams making an offer for Eagles star wideout A.J. Brown. Considering the Chargers’ cap flexibility, they would certainly be one of the teams that could appeal to Brown.
The Trade Package Dilemma
Perhaps the only problem the Chargers could face is developing a potential package for a trade. The Chargers don’t have many late round draft picks, and if they choose to include some in their package, they won’t be able to find depth pieces in the draft any time soon. It may be possible to recoup some of those picks, but the Eagles may not be willing to offer too much in return along with a player of Brown’s caliber.
Brown however, is still more than capable of being an elite offensive weapons. Despite some tension between himself and the Eagles’ coaching staff, he still went over 1,000 yards on 73 catches. He was the only truly dangerous downfield weapon that the Eagles chose to utilize due to his strength in contested catches and his explosiveness down the sideline.
Another big plus is that while Brown would certainly be older than every receiver the Chargers would return next season, he is still younger than Keenan Allen, who could be set to leave the team in free agency. The leader in targets for the Chargers will be leaving big shoes to fill and while a player like Ladd McConkey has stepped up, he may not be ready to assume the mantle of WR1.
Elevating Justin Herbert and the Offense
With the addition of Brown, they would be adding someone still in his prime who can produce that same amount of volume as Allen, but still give you several more years of that production as well.
The Chargers though, are a team rumored to be in the market for several other explosive playmakers for the offense. Tyreek Hill coms to mind due to his connection with Mike McDaniel. A.J. Brown though, may just be the biggest difference maker the Chargers can find.
It’s one thing to say that the Chargers have one of the best young wide receiver rooms in the NFL right now. It could be quite another to say they have the scariest. What Brown brings to the table could be what separates the Chargers not just from the AFC West field, but from the other AFC contenders.
If the Chargers truly want to be a team to be reckoned with in free agency, making a bid to bring Brown to LA would be the perfect start. Justin Herbert would finally get his elite downfield weapon and the Chargers would take one step closer to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
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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