Many LA Chargers fans circled Diontae Johnson as an ideal trade target for the Bolts ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline. It wasn't meant to be, however, as Johnson was ultimately traded to the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday.
Baltimore traded a fifth-round pick for Johnson and a sixth-round pic. With the price being so low for the former Steelers wideout, it is safe to say the Chargers passed on making a trade. The Bolts easily could have afforded to beat this offer and would have if the team was as high on Johnson as fans were.
Johnson was the biggest wide receiver name on the trade market, leaving Chargers fans to parse through an underwhelming market. With Johnson now off the table, here are the best names the Bolts could consider.
3 WRs the Chargers can still trade for after passing on Diontae Johnson
Mike Williams
Reuniting with Mike Williams might be the most sensible move the Chargers can make. Even with the return of DJ Chark Jr, the Chargers could use a true X receiver who can make contested catches down the field.
If Williams was the same exact player without any Chargers ties it would not be as compelling to bring him in. However, his built-in rapport with Justin Herbert adds value to Williams and creates a situation that is truly best for all parties involved.
MUST-READ: NFL insider reveals Chargers' biggest competition for Mike Williams
Williams would not be nearly as productive as he was during his first stint with the Chargers. But at the very least, he would give Herbert a weapon he can trust in all areas of the field.
Darius Slayton
The Chargers may not have drafted Malik Nabers but they could add a different New York Giants' wide receiver at the deadline. With the arrow firmly pointing in the wrong direction in New York, don't be surprised if there is a Giants fire sale and Darius Slayton is included.
The 27-year-old wideout has potential, there is no doubt about that, and he has been unable to tap into that potential with subpar quarterback play in New York. Herbert is miles ahead of Daniel Jones, creating a scenario where Slayton's potential could shine.
Adam Thielen
Pehraps the Chargers want to get even cheaper and trade for a different Carolina Panthers receiver. If Carolina took what it took for Johnson then the price for Thielen has to be a seventh-round pick at most.
Thielen is currently on the IR with a hamstring injury but is expected to return to action soon. After a resurgent 2023 season in Carolina, Thielen proved he can still produce and could add a much-needed veteran presence to the Chargers' wide receiver room.
The former Viking is under contract for one more season, giving the Chargers a stopgap option to replace any departing wideouts. Thielen's cap hit next season would be less than $6 million for the Chargers, giving the team an affordable option next year as well.