The Los Angeles Chargers' most pressing need this offseason is certainly not at wide receiver. But they will have a number of decisions to make at the position.
Quentin Johnston's fifth-year option must be decided upon, and that scenario will present its own difficulties. But perhaps the more painful decision will lie in Keenan Allen's free agency.
Last season with Los Angeles, Allen amassed 777 yards and four touchdowns on 81 receptions. He quickly became a trusted target for Justin Herbert in the intermediate parts of the field upon his return to the team. If the Chargers want to sign him to a one-year deal this offseason, the decision would make perfect sense.
But there's also the distinct possibility Los Angeles chooses to re-shape their receiving corps through the draft. In Daniel Popper's recent seven-round Chargers mock draft for the Athletic, he has the team slated to select speedy receiver Brenen Thompson out of Mississippi State in the fourth round.
Thompson projects as a slot receiver and a gadget weapon at the next level. If Los Angeles were to take that route on Day 3, it's likely that Allen's time with the team would come to an end.
The Chargers have two distinct paths in front of them to fill out their receiving corps this offseason
With a new offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, the Chargers need to do everything in their power to furnish him with the weapons he needs.
Ladd McConkey will likely take on a larger share of the offense in 2026, as will 2025 draft picks Tre' Harris and Ke'Andre Lambert Smith. Kris Rhim at ESPN, moreover, recently confirmed that a trade involving Johnston remains unlikely this offseason.
This leaves, realistically, one open spot in the receiving corps. The Chargers need a bona-fide slot receiver, and they must choose between bringing back Allen and adding a speedy weapon such as Thompson.
Thompson would certainly be enticing. He had a highly productive senior season at Mississippi State, posting an SEC-leading 1,054 yards on 57 receptions. He has the speed and the route-running ability, moreover, to stretch the defense out of the slot and take advantage of openings in the middle of the field. He posted the fastest 40-yard-dash time out of any receiver at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine: a blazing 4.26.
McDaniel has shown his ability to weaponize speed in past versions of his offenses. Thompson could be an ideal addition to the roster as the Chargers attempt to implement McDaniel's scheme.
If we get to draft night and Popper's fourth-round prediction ultimately proves correct, we will have a clear indication of which route Los Angeles has decided to take.