3 signings Chargers must make after trading Keenan Allen
By Jason Reed
Chargers must sign Odell Beckham Jr.
The Chargers need to add a wide receiver in free agency as well as one (or two) in the 2024 NFL Draft. Even if the team takes Malik Nabers with the fifth pick the wide receiver room will be extremely thin and it can benefit from adding a veteran.
As it stands right now, Justin Herbert's weapons at wide receiver are the oft-injured Joshua Palmer, the rookie disappointment Quentin Johnston and the special teams specialist Derius Davis. Considering there is not much help at running back (from a pass-catching standpoint) or tight end, it is safe to say that Herbert has the worst weapons in the league.
That is why signing Odell is now on the table for the Chargers. There is some risk involved because of his age and his injury past but he was a moderately effective wideout for the Ravens last season. The Chargers cannot spend an arm and a leg on Odell but if he goes for his projected $7 million salary then it is more than doable for the Bolts.
Since Odell was technically released because of his void years he would not count against the compensatory formula. Giving Hortiz a target existing ties who doesn't count against the compensatory picks? That is a match made in heaven.
Michael Gallup is the perfect Odell Beckham Jr. backup plan
If Odell is too expensive or he decides to sign with another team then the Chargers could explore Michael Gallup as a backup plan. Gallup was just released by the Dallas Cowboys and while he is worse than Beckham, he would give the Chargers a similar presence as Mike Williams as a contested-catch target.