When taking a look at the Los Angeles Chargers, adding more weapons offensively isn’t the first thing that comes to mind as a need. Wide receiver Keenan Allen is playing at an All-Pro level and running back Austin Ekeler returned from the sidelines to play in Week 6 on Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys.
Despite some star-studded talent around quarterback Justin Herbert, there is something missing from this offense. Without Mike Williams, the Chargers are missing that big play, deep threat on the perimeter of the offense.
Joshua Palmer has filled in admirably whenever Williams has gone down with an injury, stepping into the lineup and producing. The Chargers also used a first-round pick on wide receiver Quentin Johnston but he has been MIA during the regular season.
Taking those things into consideration, it certainly wouldn’t hurt Los Angeles to see if they can find an affordable deep ball threat. Brad Spielberger of PFF has suggested one such target being Terrace Marshall Jr. of the Carolina Panthers.
As noted by Spielberger, Marshall’s usage over the last few weeks has raised some attention to a possible trade. After hauling in nine receptions in Week 4, he didn’t play a single snap in Week 5. Normally performance of that level is rewarded with more playing time, not a benching.
Could a trade be on the horizon? It certainly seems that way, especially with Carolina adding three wide receivers this offseason, using a second-round pick on Jonathan Mingo and signing Adam Thielen and DJ Chark in free agency. Not to mention, the Panthers are on the lookout for another wide receiver as they want a true No. 1 for Bryce Young.
Marshall seems to be lost in the shuffle and a change of scenery would do him some well. The Chargers would be able to take advantage of his skill set as he is very productive when targeted 10+ yards down the field.
As shared by Spielberger, Marshall earned an 88.6 receiving grade on such targets, catching 18 passes for 382 yards and be credited with six contested catches, which is in the top 35 among wide receivers. He forced tackles and didn’t drop passes, making him an ideal buy-low candidate for a team such as the Chargers looking for a spark.
