Under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, virtually every playmaker on the Los Angeles Chargers offense has a chance to take a major step forward.
The case is clear for both Omarion Hampton and Oronde Gadsden II, both of whom had promising rookie campaigns and should continue to develop in the Chargers' offensive structure in 2026. For Los Angeles' three primary receivers, the path is also relatively easy to chart.
Ladd McConkey should take on ample snaps and get a bevy of YAC opportunities as the primary slot receiver, especially if Keenan Allen does not return this offseason. Quentin Johnston should be a formidable intermediate threat, and he also has the speed to play a major downfield role in McDaniel's air attack. The entire coaching staff has been unanimously high on Tre' Harris this offseason, and his blocking abilities should open up more snaps and pass-catching opportunities for him as a sophomore.
But even though Los Angeles didn't do a ton of work on their receiving corps this offseason, the addition of Brenen Thompson and the emerging hierarchy of the room have a real chance to threaten one players' standing in the offense.
If KeAndre Lambert-Smith doesn't show vast improvement from his rookie campaign, he could quickly be iced out again.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith has his work cut out for him to carve out a major role in Mike McDaniel's offense
Last year, both Harris' and Lambert-Smith's minimized roles were perfectly understandable. The Greg Roman offense simply didn't create enough opportunities through the air to sustain much beyond Allen, McConkey, and Johnston.
Harris found a way onto the field with his blocking abilities, but Lambert-Smith's underdeveloped skill-set limited his opportunities during his rookie campaign. Across 10 games, the Auburn product posted just five receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. He saw the field for just 19% of the offensive snaps for which he was available.
The long-term upside is still there for Lambert-Smith. He's speedy and agile enough to be an intermediate threat, and his hands coming out college were solid. But he also lacks the crisp breaks and route-running it takes to be that sort of threat at the NFL level, and he'll need to develop that before he's able to take on a full role in the offense.
Even if Allen doesn't return, and the snap share is left to be split between the Chargers' five standing receivers, it's likely that Thompson will endear himself more quickly to McDaniel within the context of his scheme. Thompson posted the fastest 40-yard dash since Xavier Worthy at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he can be used out of the slot to take the top off the defense when required.
On paper, it might seem like the Chargers' lack of experienced receiver additions this offseason opened the door for both Harris and Lambert-Smith in their sophomore campaigns. But the truth is that the path will be a lot steeper for Lambert-Smith than a simple glance at the depth chart might reveal.
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