The Chargers are in a good spot, currently with a 4-3 record and the seventh and final spot in the AFC playoff picture. Looking to make a postseason push, Los Angeles is in the market to add another piece ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
Wide receiver, cornerback, tight end, and edge defender are positions they would benefit from addressing. With that in mind, let’s identify a few players who would make sense for the Bolts, with the deadline less than a week away.
WR Mike Williams, Jets
It’s been reported that the Chargers have expressed interest in trading for and reuniting with Williams. Williams’ time with the Jets hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows, and he only has one catch since Davante Adams was traded to New York. Even with Quentin Johnston and DJ Chark Jr. likely to be back in the mix, Los Angeles lacks talent in the wide receiver room. Williams and Justin Herbert had great chemistry during their time together, especially in the deep parts of the field.
DT Calais Campbell, Dolphins
The Chargers have struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks this season, and one reason is that they lack an interior pass rusher. At 38 years of age, Campbell is still playing at a high level. He currently has 16 pressures and two sacks. There are some ties, as Campbell spent three seasons (2020-22) with the Ravens, where Joe Hortiz was the Director of Player Personnel. Despite being one of the team’s best players, the Dolphins could be sellers, as they’re sitting with a 2-5 record.
TE Austin Hooper, Patriots
The Chargers would benefit from a pass-catching tight end, even with Hayden Hurst set to return after missing two games with a groin injury. Hooper’s proven to be reliable in that department throughout his nine-year career. This season, he has 15 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown. Throughout his entire career, Hooper has 379 receptions for 3,831 yards and 26 scores.
EDGE Jadeveon Clowney, Panthers
With Joey Bosa still struggling with a lingering hip issue, the Chargers could use another presence off the edge, especially one that can defend the run. Clowney checks all those boxes, is familiar with Joe Hortiz after spending last year in Baltimore, and is on a Panthers squad that should be sellers unequivocally at the deadline. Los Angeles signed edge rusher Caleb Murphy to the practice squad this week, potentially indicating that Bosa will miss more time.
CB Greg Newsome II, Browns
Why not take home a souvenir after visiting the Browns on Sunday? Newsome is young (24), versatile, and seems to be the odd man out in Cleveland’s secondary, with Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson on the outside. He’d fit the Chargers’ timeline and give them a bona fide no. 1 corner, something they’ve been in search of for the last few years. The barrier here, outside of cost, would be Ward’s long-term health – he suffered his sixth career concussion last week.
WR Darius Slayton, Giants
ESPN gives the Giants a 0.3% chance to make the playoffs this season, which should put them in the selling category. Slayton is on an expiring contract and fits the profile of what the Chargers need at wide receiver perfectly as a sideline ball-winner and separator. The only problem may be that everyone except the Giants front office thinks New York’s season is virtually over, as reports from their beat have suggested that Slayton and edge rusher Azeez Ojulari may be more likely to be extended than dealt.