Will the Los Angeles Chargers make any trades to capitalize on their 4-3 start? If so, they’ll have to act quickly with the Nov. 5 NFL trade deadline bearing down upon general manager Joe Hortiz. This Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns could lead to action.
But we already know what the Chargers’ biggest team needs are right now, meaning there’s no reason to wait until the last minute to strike a deal. In fact, there’s one receiver who makes too much sense for the Chargers to overlook.
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Adam Thielen trade would bring consistency to Los Angeles Chargers
Even though the 34-year-old is now in the twilight of his career, Adam Thielen jumps off the page as a player who Jim Harbaugh would love to have on his team. He’s a bigger target for Justin Herbert, measuring in at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds. This gives the two-time Pro Bowl wideout added value as someone who can play outside or in the slot while posing a threat in the red zone.
But really, the real reason why Coach Harbaugh would covet Thielen is because on top of being a willing blocker, he has some of the most reliable hands in the NFL. Seriously, Thielen finished last season with the NFL’s highest catch rate among receivers with 100 or more receptions, hauling in 75.2% of his passes. He may be a year older, but his hands haven’t suddenly turned to stone.
Now, without looking at the numbers, most probably assume Thielen didn’t have a very productive season. After all, he was catching passes from Bryce Young in an offense that ranked second-to-last in scoring. However, Thielen continues to be underrated, and he actually had the third 1,000-yard season of his career.
- Adam Thielen stats (2023): 103 receptions, 1,014 yards, 4 TD
Could the Chargers find quicker receivers who are better at creating separation? Absolutely, but at least with Thielen, there’s a higher level of confidence, knowing that when he’s targeted, he’s probably catching the pass.
We could stand here and pound the table for why the Chargers should part with a late Day 3 pick for the aging veteran, but it turns out others are advocating for a Thielen trade to LA too.
Thielen mentioned as a strong fit for Chargers
While the Chargers may make other long-term plans to fix their receiving corps while Ladd McConkey continues to develop, adding Thielen now would inject an accomplished 11-year-vet who’s never been given anything in life. The former undrafted receiver out of a small DII school (Minnesota State) worked his way from being overlooked during the draft process into becoming one of the best receivers in the NFL at one point in his career.
Of course, Thielen is slowing down these days, but again, those hands are as reliable as ever. While others may make a bigger splash, Thielen could add some much-needed depth to a receiving corps that needs an injection of playmakers.
Here’s Yahoo Sports’ Frank Schwab mentioning why the Chargers shouldn’t overlook trading for Thielen before Tuesday’s deadline.
“The Chargers are 4-3 and in the playoff mix. They also are one of the thinnest teams in the NFL at receiver. Rookie Ladd McConkey has been good, but Joshua Palmer hasn’t done much and Quentin Johnston has faded after a slow start. Thielen might make sense as a short-term help for Justin Herbert. The Panthers shouldn’t be asking for much for a 34-year-old having a quiet season, and it would give Thielen a chance to be on a decent team near the end of his career.”
Yahoo’s Frank Schwab on Adam Thielen/Los Angeles Chargers
Under contract through next season at a salary of $4 million, Thielen could give the Chargers a bit of short-term stability while emerging as one of the most valued veteran voices in a locker room that’s ready to win now. He may not be the electrifying playmaker that burns defenders deep downfield, but that doesn’t mean he still can’t help a Chargers team that needs more consistency from their pass-catchers.
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