Despite bettering their record to 9-6 after an inspiring 34-27 win over AFC West division rival Denver Broncos, the Los Angeles Chargers have issues among their pass catchers. Injuries to their top options, Ladd McConkey and Will Dissly, or inconsistent performances from their role players, Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston, have led to wild swings in the potency of their offense.
Diontae Johnson Would Elevate The Chargers Offense
A possible option to address this just hit the market in the form of Diontae Johnson. It was announced on Friday afternoon that the Baltimore Ravens would be moving on from the 28-year-old former-round receiver.
While from the outside, it may seem that Johnson has been another diva receiver who can’t put his money where his mouth is. The truth is he has been seeking greener pastures in which he can be utilized fully and play meaningful football in January. For one reason or another, those things haven’t manifested in his last stops.
But the Chargers would provide exactly the kind of landing spot Johnson is looking for. Quality quarterback? Check. Playoff-bound team? Check. Room for high-quality wide receiver play? Check and Checkmate.
If added he would be the Chargers’ only current receiver who has ever caught more than 1000 yards, save for DJ Chark’s sophomore effort in 2019.
Johnson would also pair well with McConkey, who looks to be the Chargers’ next 1000-yard receiver, as he plays primarily on the outside, but matches his ability to separate. He also runs a complete route tree and has been successful in all depths of target.
Herbert would be a big upgrade from the quarterbacks he has played with over much of his career, making the Chargers one of the best fits for Johnson.
Perhaps the biggest sticking point for this union will be on the Chargers side. This regime has put a minimal value on the position, evidenced by trading Keenan Allen and cutting Mike Williams, and not replacing them in the interim. They have tried to put a patch on the position and found a second-round gem in McConkey, but they will need more firepower once the playoffs kick off in a few weeks, when they will likely go on the road to take on either the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Houston Texans, both teams have top-five defenses.