The LA Chargers entered the offseason with the second-most cap space in the NFL but did not take any big swings. While there were some disappointing non-moves the Chargers made, one non-move that is aging like fine wine (already) is staying away from Stefon Diggs.
It was widely documented heading into the offseason that the Chargers needed wide receiver help this offseason. As great as Ladd McConkey was in his rookie year, he and Justin Herbert cannot do it alone.
The Chargers added wide receiver help in free agent Mike Williams and draft picks Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Despite rumors tying the Chargers to some of the biggest names on the market, the Bolts stayed conservative.
While Diggs did not have the strongest ties to the Chargers, he is a big name who some fans were hoping the Chargers would take a flier on. He ultimately signed a three-year deal worth up to $69 million with the New England Patriots and in short time, has made those same Chargers fans grateful that he did not come to LA.
Chargers dodged a bullet by not signing Stefon Diggs this offseason
Diggs made headlines earlier this offseason when he was seen living it up on a boat instead of reporting to voluntary Patriots OTAs. Diggs would eventually show up and has been impressive on the practice field but it is clear he would not have meshed with the culture Jim Harbaugh is building.
It's also worth noting how the pass-catching room is shaking out for the Chargers. While Diggs is a much bigger name than anyone the Bolts brought in, the Chargers may get just as much (if not more) from the additions they chose to make.
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Harris has all the makings of being a excellent No. 2 passing option for Justin Herbert in his rookie season. Williams has familiarity with Herbert and is completely healthy after he was slow to recover from his torn ACL in 2023.
As we have seen with wideouts in the past, an ACL tear can really be a two-year injury. While Williams was back on the field, he clearly was not 100%.
Then there are wrinkles that even the most diehard Chargers fans could not have expected. Late-round pick Oronde Gadsden II was the biggest standout of Chargers minicamp and is being compared to former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller. He may not be a wide receiver, but even he adds a boost to the Chargers' pass-catching core.
It's unclear if the Chargers actually had any interest in Diggs this offseason. In fact, based on how this front office has operated, it is probably safe to assume that the interest was extremely small (if it was there at all).
But there certainly was interest from a select portion of Chargers fans. Thankfully, the Bolts stayed strong and avoided making that expensive mistake.