The Chargers have been linked to a few wide receiver rumors within the last week. CBS insider Jonathan Jones linked Los Angeles to free agent wideout Mike Evans. With nearly $100 million in cap space available, some insiders have speculated about the Chargers going after Colts free agent Alec Pierce.
It’s worth pointing out that the Chargers are in part going to be mentioned in several free agent rumors for financial reasons. After all, they did just create the best cap space situation in the league for themselves after cutting Mekhi Becton and Will Dissly. While some of the Bolts’ reported free agent interest in certain players will result in signings, other free agents can leverage LA’s cap space against other teams.
Could Eagles WR A.J. Brown end up with Justin Herbert on the Chargers?
Being interested in free agent wide receivers is one thing. But interest in trades for premium wideouts is another. While on Barstool’s “The Ryen Russillo Show”, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini mentioned that the Chargers are “keeping an eye” on A.J. Brown. Philadelphia’s top wide receiver has been involved in trade rumors since 2025’s trade deadline.
“So, we’re in a position now where you’ve got teams like the New England Patriots hovering,” Russini said. “You’ve got the Chargers keeping an eye on this. The Bills were in it. The Rams were poking around on it about 48 hours ago from today. They were, that’s cooled off now.”
Brown put up his fourth straight 1000 yard season in 2025 with the Eagles. But he also averaged the fewest yards per game in a season (66.9) since his rookie year in Tennessee. Even during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run in 2024, Brown voiced his frustrations with offense and lack of targets.
On one hand, it’s easy to see what Brown would provide the Chargers. While Ladd McConkey had 1000+ yards in his rookie season, the Chargers haven’t had a bona-fide outside X receiver with that level of production. Having a premium wide receiver that is a true matchup nightmare for defenses would be great for Justin Herbert. The Chargers’ wide receiver room also is not nearly stacked enough to the point where the front office wouldn’t at least think about upgrades.
At the same time, there’s probably teams in better positions to make an offer for Brown than the Chargers. Los Angeles only has five draft picks this year with gaping holes to fill along the offensive line. A team like the Patriots is probably more motivated to get a deal done when Philadelphia does lower their reported asking price. Russini mentioned that the Eagles are still wanting a first and a second round pick for Brown. Eventually, that price probably lowers when Philadelphia does trade him.
Could the Chargers get involved here? Perhaps, and it’s easy to see why Brown would fit on paper. But if they were to acquire a wide receiver, it makes more sense for it to be a free agent rather than Brown considering their deficiency in draft capital.