Ravens loss reveals painfully obvious offseason move Chargers must make

The Chargers went into Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens with something to prove. Unfortunately, the Chargers did not prove what they wanted in a 30-23 loss which saw the Ravens dominate from the second quarter on.

The Chargers were in the game in the fourth quarter and key mistakes ended up being the difference in the game. But that is what is so hard about playing a team like the Ravens; they force their opponents to play perfect football. The Chargers were far from perfect.

While there is a lot to take away from this game, the main lesson the team learned cannot be acted upon until the offseason. If this loss to the Ravens proved anything, it is that the Chargers desperately need to add a top-tier wide receiver in free agency after the 2024 season.

Loss to Ravens proves the Chargers must sign Tee Higgins in free agency

Tee Higgins is the best wide receiver name on the market next offseason and is someone who the Chargers should be very interested in. Unless a disgruntled receiver becomes available via trade (which is always possible), Higgins represents the best the Chargers can do.

He may not be a top-tier elite WR1 but he would add a wrinkle to the Chargers' offense that does not currently exist. As great as rookie Ladd McConkey is, he does not profile as a true WR1 and that has shown up on multiple occasions in this Chargers offense.

The Chargers lack any true difference-making passing targets outside of McConkey and running back J.K. Dobbins. That was on full display on Monday as the Ravens effectively took McConkey out of the game while Dobbins left early with a knee injury.

Quentin Johnston is not the answer and Joshua Palmer probably won't be on the team next season. Los Angeles won't be picking high enough in the draft to select a true franchise wideout, and even then, the Chargers should probably be adding to the defense after drafting offensive players in the first round in each of the last four years.

Higgins is the best option and he would instantly boost this depleted passing offense. Justin Herbert would go from having one of the most barren wideout rooms in the sport to having one of the best 1-2 punches, assuming McConkey continues to develop and thrives even more when defenses can't hone in on him.

The defense was not perfect on Monday, especially against the run, but that is more indicative of the team the Chargers played. The fact of the matter is the Chargers did next to nothing on offense despite playing one of the worst passing defenses in the sport.

If that didn't prove the Chargers need to add a top-tier wideout to reach new heights, nothing will.