Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has all the capabilities to be one of the elite signal-callers in the NFL. Still, his team has not been able to find any consistency at wide receiver.
Last year, the team appeared to hit a home run with Ladd McConkey after he had over 1,000 yards receiving in his rookie season. Quentin Johnston took a nice leap in year two, but still hasn't been consistent enough for what the team needs. This offseason, they selected Tre Harris in the draft and signed a familiar face in Mike Williams, but are these moves enough to move the needle?
Even at the end of OTAs, there appear to be lingering questions about the wide receivers on the team. When one door closes, another one opens, as an East Coast team might have a more consistent solution to help.
One call to the Washington Commanders could change the franchise
FOX NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has expressed his frustration to the team regarding the lack of progress in their contract talks. McLaurin was originally at OTAs, but left unexpectedly.
Sources: #Commanders All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin has made it clear to the team that he’s frustrated with the lack of progress on a long-term deal. As I previously reported, McLaurin unexpectedly left voluntary workouts after initially attending, and it remains to be seen whether… pic.twitter.com/5lUXbe8dxe
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 5, 2025
This is the final year of McLaurin's contract after having initially signed a three-year, $68 million contract extension. He's the model of consistency that the Chargers have been looking for, having achieved five consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards receiving. His rookie season in 2019 was the only year he fell short, as he racked up 919 yards. McLaurin had a career-high 13 touchdowns last year for Washington as he was selected to his second Pro Bowl and first All-Pro selection.
The 29-year-old won't come cheap for the Chargers if a trade happens, as they can expect to pay up a second or third-round pick for him. Los Angeles's advantage is that they have trade assets to offload to make the deal done, whether that's Johnston or Williams.
Herbert's most significant problem over the years in LA has been that he hasn't had a receiver consistently enough to trust year after year. To be fair to McConkey, he has just completed his first season and seems to play the part, but there isn't enough on his resume to have 100% confidence.
The Chargers have been urged to make a call to the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Character concerns with Hill would make Los Angeles' decision to target McLaurin instead easier.
It doesn't hurt to make the call and see what kind of deal it would take to make it happen and give McLaurin the money he deserves. Imagine a world with McConkey and McLaurin on the same team, getting 1,000 yards each from Herbert. A lovely image for the Chargers to think about and make a reality with a click of the finger on the call button.