After one of the best regular seasons in recent years, the Los Angeles Chargers’ campaign ended abruptly. In the Wild Card round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs, the Houston Texans dominated LA, 32-12, raising serious questions about the Chargers’ future direction.While Justin Herbert had a poor performance in the Wild Card game, the loss certainly wasn’t solely his fault. As has often been the case in Herbert’s career, LA’s offense lacked the skilled players needed to succeed in the postseason.
With the 22nd pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Chargers could look to strengthen their offense through the draft. However, free agency might be a more fruitful avenue, as several top-tier wide receivers will become available this March. On Wednesday, the 33rd Team named the Chargers as the frontrunners to sign former All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
If Hopkins returns for the 2024 season, it will mark his 13th year in the NFL, as his Hall of Fame-worthy career nears its conclusion. Hopkins, a five-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, was once considered the best receiver in football at the end of the 2010s.
Hopkins started the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans before being traded to Kansas City midseason. Although the Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl, Hopkins played a minimal role, catching only three passes for 29 yards and a touchdown in their three playoff games. In the Super Bowl, where Kansas City was beaten by Philadelphia, Hopkins dropped a wide-open pass that could have kept the Chiefs in the game.
The Chargers drafted wide receiver Ladd McConkey last April, and while McConkey showed promise as a rookie, his size (6’0″, 185 lbs.) makes it unlikely that he will emerge as a true No. 1 receiver. Hopkins, at 6’1″ and 218 lbs., could bring the size and strength needed to complement McConkey if he joins the Chargers.
Although Hopkins’ prime may be behind him and he didn’t perform well in the playoffs, he still retains much of his athleticism and his trademark reliable hands. Despite a disappointing stint with the Chiefs, Hopkins had a 1,000-yard season in 2023 with the Titans. A move to LA could be the perfect opportunity for Hopkins to finish his career on a high note.