Chargers-Lions trade pitch adds dynamic $17 million wide receiver for Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers have had a disappointing offseason on the offensive side of the ball, as the team has failed to adequately bolster its wide receivers room for Justin Herbert.

Ladd McConkey looked like a star in his rookie season and the future is certainly bright for him, but questions remain about the players behind McConkey. Joshua Palmer is gone, Quentin Johnston is unreliable and Mike Williams is past his prime.

Knowing that, Last Word on Sports' Anthony Palacios thinks the Chargers could be a landing spot for Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams if he's traded.

"Last season, the Los Angeles Chargers made it far into the 2024 campaign even though they had one of the worst groups of pass catchers. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey is still the only set of reliable hands despite the team bringing back veteran Mike Williams," Palacios wrote. "He’s way past his prime and can’t compensate for Justin Herbert’s throwing arm. However, the team could trade for Jameson Williams as a capable replacement for DJ Chark, who was a complete bust last year."

Palacios' suggestion is spurred on by an article from AtoZ Sports' Mike Payton, who thinks it's possible the Lions trade Williams if they choose to take a wide receiver in the 2025 NFL draft. The Lions have met with several wide receiver prospects, including Matthew Golden, who could be an option for Detroit in Round 1.

Williams, who is entering the final year of his $17 million rookie deal but could have another year added to it via the fifth-year option, is coming off a breakout campaign that saw him tally personal bests with 58 catches for 1,001 yards and eight touchdowns (seven receiving).

Williams has run into some off-the-field issues over his first three years in the NFL, including a pair of suspensions. The Lions might not have a ton of trust in Williams at this point and could decide to move him while he still has significant value.

Williams would instantly become a starter on the outside for the Chargers, and he'd add an explosive element to the offense with his deep-threat ability. Williams averaged a whopping 17.3 yards per catch in 2024 and even ripped off some huge gains via handoffs.

The Chargers would likely have to give up a late Day 2 pick for the Alabama product, and with the likelihood that his fifth-year option gets picked up, he'd be a two-year solution, at least. On top of that, Williams is just 24 years old, so he could stick around for longer than that, and his best football might still be in front of him.

Given their need for a wide receiver, it makes sense to suggest the Chargers as a landing spot for Williams if he's traded. However, we tend to believe the Lions will hold on to him no matter what they do in the draft as the team prepares to make a run at the Super Bowl in 2025.

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