The LA Chargers entered the 2024 season with one of the worst receiving corps in the league and that was on full display in Week 7. Los Angeles was unable to score a single touchdown despite a Herculean effort from Justin Herbert, highlighting the desperate need for wide receiver help.
The NFL trade deadline is right around the corner and if the Chargers are serious about contending then a move will be made at wide receiver. There is no way the team can reasonably pass itself as a playoff hopeful only to give Herbert bad passing weapons.
There are various routes the Chargers can take at the deadline, one of which is to call a team that the Chargers already beat this season. The Carolina Panthers are heading toward yet another awful record, which should prompt the team to be a seller at the deadline.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is by far the most sensible trade target for the Panthers to dangle in trade talks, especially considering the fact he has not shied away from sharing his thoughts on his current team.
Panthers WR Diontae Johnson says he’s frustrated, but he can’t play every position on the field and make every play. pic.twitter.com/f6iezdbMvI
— Joe Person (@josephperson) October 20, 2024
Diontae Johnson's frustrations should catch the Chargers' attention
Jim Harbaugh would definitely have to sit down and tell Johnson not to do this kind of thing in Los Angeles but aside from that, the former Steeler makes a lot of sense as a potential trade target for the Chargers.
Los Angeles desperately needs a premium passing weapon that can create separation and consistently get open down the field. Johnson may not be one of the elite receivers in the league but he has WR1 traits and is miles better than anyone currently on the Chargers' roster.
Johnson has shown flashes of his high ceiling in the past but has never put together a sustained run in large part due to his quarterback play. With Herbert under center, Johnson would have someone who can consistently get him the ball when he is open.
The cost to trade for Johnson shouldn't be that high, either. Johnson is a free agent after this season and that naturally caps what the Panthers will be able to get in a trade. Carolina originally traded a cornerback and a day-three pick swap for Johnson. At the absolute most, the Chargers would have to trade a fourth-round pick.
That is a good price for someone who can change the entire dynamic of the Chargers' offense. Johnson is also one of the better free-agent wide receivers in next year's free-agent class, so it would give the Chargers a chance to see how he fits before potentially committing to a new contract.
All in all, it makes sense for the Bolts in the short term while also making sense in the long run. As long as the price does not become unobtainable, the Chargers should be giving the Panthers a call.