March 29, 2026, 7:45 p.m. PT
One of the most dynamic offensive weapons, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, remains unsigned in free agency. Several teams have been linked to Samuel, but Pro Football Focus believes the Chargers are the best landing spot for the former All-Pro.
Although the Chargers maintain a solid group of young receivers, highlighted by Ladd McConkey, the group lacks playmaking ability after the catch, ranking just 26th in yards after catch per reception this past season. Not only could Samuel increase that output, but he would also provide the group with a veteran presence following Keenan Allen‘s departure.Â
New Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is well acquainted with Samuel from their time together in San Francisco, where McDaniel helped orchestrate Samuel’s 2021 All-Pro campaign in which he earned a career-best 90.2 PFF overall grade.
Samuel is coming off a season with the Commanders where he recorded 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns.
Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel was instrumental in Samuel’s 2021 campaign with the 49ers, where he racked up 1,770 scrimmage yards.
The Bolts’ wide receiver room is currently in a state of transition. With Keenan Allen entering free agency, the group lacks a proven veteran presence. The addition of Samuel would provide just that, as well as a playmaker who excels at gaining yards after the catch, and one who’s proven himself in McDaniel’s system.
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Some cons of signing Samuel include that he has rarely played a full 17-game season due to various injuries. Additionally, he isn’t much of a deep threat or true X-receiver, which the Chargers truly need at the position. With that said, Los Angeles might be better off resorting to the draft to address it.