The Los Angeles Chargers have done a good job of putting weapons around star quarterback Justin Herbert. Wide receivers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer, running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Gerald Everett are a very strong group of skill position players. However, change is on the horizon in Los Angeles.
Ekeler was granted permission to seek a trade this offseason after contract negotiations didn’t go well. While Ekeler does deserve a raise, it is easy to see why talks may have gone south; the Chargers’ salary cap situation is ugly going into the future.
There were rumors this offseason that the team could cut Allen because of salary cap concerns as well. He restructured his deal, but now has a cap hit of $34,717,500 in 2024. Williams’ cap hit in 2024 is $32,460,000 and he has zero guaranteed dollars on his deal, so he could also be moved on from.
Because of those situations, it would not be shocking to see the Chargers target a playmaker in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. One player to keep an eye on is wide receiver, Zay Flowers. The Chargers have been named the best fit for the Boston College product in the draft.
Despite already having three good players in the fold, availability has been an issue. Allen missed seven games in 2022, Williams missed four and parts of multiple ones and Palmer missed one.
Adding an explosive playmaker to the mix in Flowers is not only a move with an eye toward the future but to help the team immediately as he can step into the lineup should injuries arise again. With the ability to play in the slot or on the perimeter, he can play alongside any of the other Chargers receivers.
Despite having a dynamic offense, the Chargers’ lacked a true big-play threat. Their 61 attempts of 20+ yardage were only 15th in the NFL. That would change instantly with Flowers in the mix, who can use his blazing 4.42 speed to get over the top on the defense.
Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore could also get creative with formations, using Flowers out of the backfield. He had 57 carries in his collegiate career and is dangerous in space with his ability to make defenders miss.
Maximizing Herbert’s talent should be the No. 1 goal for the Chargers. Flowers would help in that endeavor as a great fit for the offense with his playmaking ability.
