The LA Chargers finally gave fans what they wanted this offseason and signed a wide receiver to catch passes from Justin Herbert. There is just one catch: the wide receiver is none other than former first-round pick Jalen Reagor.
Jim Harbaugh brought Reagor in last offseason and he appeared in eight games for the Bolts. The former first-round pick caught seven passes for 100 yards. The small amount he did to help the offseason was completely negated in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals when he fumbled out of the endzone to cost the Chargers points in a game the team lost by two points.
Reagor is not the wide receiver fans were hoping would sign first with the Chargers. If anything, him being the first wideout to sign is a painful metaphor for how this offseason has gone for the Bolts.
Chargers laughably re-sign Jalen Reagor as first wide receiver move of free agency
Realistically, Reagor should not make the Chargers' 53-man roster after training camp. There is nothing wrong with signing Reagor as a depth piece who serves as a camp body fighting for a roster spot.
If Reagor turns in the summer of his life and proves he has turned a corner (which isn't going to happen this late in his career) then maybe there is a case to be made about him being the WR6. However, more likely than not, Reagor will be cut in August.
At least, that is what should happen.
There should not be a pathway for Reagor to make the Chargers' 53-man roster. If Reagor does make the 53-man roster, and it is not because of injuries to other players, then it showcase what was a failure of an offseason for the Chargers.
Even without adding other wideouts its hard to find a path for Reagor. Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis and Simi Fehoko (who is a free agent, but should be re-signed) should be locks for the 53-man roster.
Second-year wideout Brenden Rice is also in the mix. Rice was hyped up as a draft steal for the Bolts and it is better longterm for the Chargers to give him a chance with a roster spot than it is to give a roster spot to Reagor.
That right there brings the Chargers to five wideouts and that is not including any free agents the team may sign or prospects the Bolts may draft. The only way Reagor should have a shot is if the Chargers don't address the position further. Which, again, would indicate a failed offseason.
In reality, this move shouldn't really matter for the Chargers as Reagor should be on the practice squad at best in six months. But with how this offseason has gone, it is fitting he is the first wideout the Chargers have signed.