The Los Angeles Chargers have been connected with every wide receiver candidate under the sun and for good reason — their offense fell apart when matched against a playoff defense. Ladd McConkey proved to be the only reliable offensive weapon on the team.
With Tee Higgins seemingly off the table, who should the Chargers actually target? Emeka Egbuka or Tetairoa McMillan in the draft? A trade for DK Metcalf or Davante Adams?
The Case For A Deebo Samuel — Los Angeles Chargers Trade
All of those options have their merit. But one option is flying under the radar and it seems tailor-made for the Chargers — Deebo Samuel.
According to espn.com, the San Francisco 49ers appear to have accepted the likelihood of trading Deebo Samuel and have granted his agent, Tory Dandy, permission to explore potential trade destinations.
“It was a hard conversation to have with (49ers head coach) Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel said. “But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime but now I think it’s best that we find another team.”
The prospect of Samuel playing alongside Justin Herbert raises the intriguing possibility of significant yards-after-catch opportunities. Herbert’s renowned accuracy could consistently place the ball in Samuel’s hands with space to operate, maximizing his potential for explosive plays. Pro Football Focus data confirms that Samuel remains a potent threat in generating yards after the catch.
“(Samuel’s) 8.2 yards after (the) catch per reception ranked third among all qualifying receivers this past season,” PFF wrote.
Acquiring a player with Deebo Samuel’s exceptional yards-after-catch ability could elevate the Chargers’ offense to a level comparable with teams like the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs. As Pro Football Focus has pointed out, Samuel’s effectiveness on screen passes makes him a particularly potent weapon in an offensive scheme.
“The 49ers receiver has earned a 97.5 receiving grade on screens over his six seasons as a pro,” PFF wrote.
Not only is Samuel a skilled receiver who can spread the defense horizontally, but he will fit right in with the Jim Harbaugh offensive ethos, that blocking wins football games. Samuel is one of the more willing and capable blocking receivers in the NFL, which will aid Ladd McConkey when picking up YAC of his own, in addition to the running game.
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