Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco had to do some salary cap gymnastics this offseason. Multiple contracts were restructured to open up some cap space to spend money in free agency, but that is always a dangerous game. Los Angeles is just kicking the bill down the line, as they are going to have some massive cap hits on their roster in 2024.
That will lead to some impactful veterans likely hitting free agency next year, which makes this year’s roster moves all the more important. A lot of them will be made with an eye toward the future, as the Chargers’ front office will have to make educated guesses about which holes to plug.
That could be partly why the Chargers are reportedly keeping their eye on a dynamic weapon in the 2023 NFL Draft. According to an NFL scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network, Los Angeles is a team to watch for wide receiver Zay Flowers with their first-round pick.
“One player to keep a very close eye on for the Chargers is Boston College receiver, Zay Flowers. L.A. wants to add more playmaking for Herbert and are very strongly interested in him.”
The Chargers are currently slated to pick 21st overall, which is right in range for Flowers based on recent mock drafts that have been done. He is in the mix to be the next wide receiver taken off the board after Quentin Johnston from TCU.
There are some concerns about Flowers given his stature as he is listed at only 5’9 ½” and 182 pounds. But, with the skill set to line up all over the formation, he would be a great weapon to add for Justin Herbert.
While wide receiver doesn’t look like a need currently in Los Angeles, it could quickly become one. Keenan Allen was nearly a cap casualty this offseason and with zero guaranteed dollars on his contract beyond 2023, he could be released next year. The same could be said about Mike Williams, who also has zero guaranteed dollars on his deal beyond 2023.
If money is needed to shore up other areas of the roster, Allen and Williams could both be released. Adding a player of Flowers’ caliber would help soften the blow should the Chargers have to overhaul the wide receiver depth chart next offseason.
