Charger Report

Los Angeles Chargers' shocking, must-make trade according to former NFL GM

Brian Letscher|
July 28, 2012; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum walks off the field following training camp.
July 28, 2012; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum walks off the field following training camp. | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles ChargersSan Francisco 49ersCincinnati Bengals

The Los Angeles Chargers need help in the wide receiver room. While Ladd McConkey had an excellent rookie campaign, it became clear down the stretch and into the playoffs that they were lacking another weapon that could balance the field if not stretch it.

Ladd McConkey
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) scores on a pass in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

There are several interesting possibilites. The Rams are looking to deal Cooper Kupp, the Jets may do the same with Davante Adams, and the free-agent market has the likes of Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin.

However, as told to ESPN's Get Up on Thursday morning, Mike Tannenbaum, former GM of the Jets, believes the answers for the Chargers is just six hours north in the form of 49er wide receiver, Deebo Samuel,

Deebo Samuel
Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) during the game against the Detroit Lions | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

“Chargers trade for Deebo Samuel right down the California highway,” Mike Tannenbaum said. “When you look at where the Chargers are, they hit on Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston really hasn’t worked out. You go back a year ago, they moved on from Keenan Allen, Mike Williams. If Justin Herbert‘s going to get to where he can go, which I think is a superstar, they need someone like Deebo Samuel who can run after catch and be more productive in this passing game.”

Samuel is a hard-nosed player who could make a difference for Jim Harbaugh's squad but, having recently requested a trade from the 49ers, there will certainly be some other suitors. According to Tannenbaum, the Chargers need to be at the top of that list.

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Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

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