As the Los Angeles Chargers wrap up their mandatory minicamp, things are slowly starting to crystallize in terms of their offensive pecking order.
Both Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston should be poised to take on major roles under Mike McDaniel's scheme. McConkey has the speed out of the slot to be a serious YAC threat, while Johnston's size and strength should make him an appealing downfield target. The Chargers' coaching staff has also projected complete confidence in Tre' Harris to take a second-year leap.
But as long as veteran receiver Keenan Allen is still on the market, there will be some questions to answer in regards to this receiving corps.
Los Angeles has made it clear that the door is still open for Allen to return in 2026. But unless a true need for a veteran presence emerges, Allen's uneasy fit in McDaniel's speed-centric scheme could prove to be an excluding factor.
Allen's fate, therefore, rests in the hands of Los Angeles' young receivers. If the Chargers head into training camp with confidence in Harris's and KeAndre Lambert-Smith's abilities to take a step forward, it could mean the end for Allen's time with the organization.
As Harris continues to turn heads this offseason, it seems like he's already on track to make that a reality.
Tre' Harris has been one of the biggest winner so far during the Chargers' offseason program
Tyler Sullivan at CBS Sports recently highlighted Harris as one of the players across the NFL who impressed during his time at minicamp:
"One of the biggest beneficiaries in line for an increased target share could be second-year wideout Tre Harris, who turned heads at minicamp.... At minicamp, Harris has noticeably put on more muscle. Harris has the profile of a second-year breakout candidate, and the fact that the Chargers did not target a wide receiver this offseason suggests they are confident in the players they have, including the 24-year-old." Tyler Sullican, CBS Sports
This doesn't come as a major surprise. Although Harris wasn't overly productive during his rookie campaign, posting just 30 receptions for 324 yards, his blocking abilities earned him more snaps as the season went on. McDaniel has consistently stated his desire to get Harris more involved in the offense, and it seems as though he made the most of his reps during the Chargers' offseason program.
Sullivan's assumption is that Allen won't be coming back. While Los Angeles has publicly professed confidence in their existing receiving corps, that's not yet a 100% safe bet. If the Chargers enter training camp with any doubt about the depth and viability of their pass-catching room, bringing Allen back on another one-year deal to fill a minor role is always an option.
But Harris carries much of the same possession skill-set that Allen did during his final years with Los Angeles. If Harris continues on this trajectory, he could quickly eat into any role that could ultimately be carved out for Allen.
Allen has also made clear that he doesn't wish to play outside of Los Angeles at this point in his career. We won't know anything concretely until training camp. But it seems as though Harris might be on the right path toward claiming a significant portion of the 122 targets Allen's departure has left available.
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