With the NFL trade deadline looming this Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Eastern/1:00 p.m. Pacific, the Los Angeles Chargers could certainly end up being buyers at several positions.
Despite the emergence of Kimani Vidal in Omarion Hampton's absence, the Bolts could use some assistance at running back and would undoubtedly benefit from adding some depth to the offensive line. Looking at some safeties might not be a bad idea either, after both Derwin James Jr. and Tony Jefferson went down against the Minnesota Vikings.
However, the Chargers also have an option to be sellers—provided they can find a buyer, of course—and the prime candidate to put on the block would be tight end Will Dissly, as he's simply become expendable thanks to the emergence of fifth-round rookie Oronde Gadsden II, who's racked up 19 catches for 309 yards with a pair of touchdowns over the last three weeks and looks more and more like the biggest steal of the draft with every passing week.
Chargers trading Will Dissly isn't out of the realm of possibility
After spending the first six seasons of his career with the Seattle Seahawks, who made him the 120th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Dissly was signed by the Bolts ahead of the 2024 campaign to a three-year deal worth up to $14 million, with $10 million in guaranteed money.
While primarily brought in for his blocking ability, the former Washington Huskie exceeded all expectations as a pass-catcher, recording career highs in targets (64), receptions (50), and receiving yards (481) and scoring a pair of touchdowns, all while still serving as a solid blocker, both in the run game and particularly in the passing game.
But again, he's just become expendable. Gadsden is clearly a superstar in the making and has become one of Justin Herbert's favorite targets. And Tyler Conklin and Tucker Fisk were clearly able to handle blocking duties when Dissly was out of action for three games with an ankle injury, which is seemingly why the Chargers had no problem making Dissly a healthy scratch against the Vikings.
If the Bolts can find a buyer—and that's a big if, as he still has another year on his contract—they likely wouldn't get a ton in return, likely a late Day 3 pick or maybe even just a pick swap in the later rounds. But it's still worth exploring.
The Jacksonville Jaguars seem like an intriguing option, and the Los Angeles Rams might even be interested. Truth be told, the Denver Broncos might go looking for a tight end before Tuesday, but the Chargers might not be willing to engage in any deal with the team currently sitting in first place in the AFC West.
Overall, though, making a few phone calls doesn't hurt anybody.