Any top free agent receivers fit Chargers needs?

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- It is no secret that the Chargers' lack of weaponry was evident throughout much of the 2024 season, especially in the playoff game against Houston.

They found a hidden gem in the second round when they traded up for Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey, who broke all of Keenan Allen's rookie records.

McConkey also showed the Chargers that they have a dangerous slot weapon. His route is running tree down, and there isn't a play he can't make.

That said, it can't all fall on his shoulders this season. They need to improve their offensive weapons.

Fox Sports released a list of the top ten free-agent wide receivers heading into free agency, which starts March 12.

There are a lot of veteran receivers coming up, but here is an explanation of whether the players would help and how it could be that they sign with the Chargers.

1. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

 Likelihood: 2/10

Higgins is one of the better weapons in the NFL, but the money is going to be an issue. Jim Harbaugh's paying a receiver close to $30 million a year doesn't seem plausible. The Bengals receiver also hasn't played a full 17-game season in his first five seasons and has only reached over 1,000 yards twice.

There has also been talk of the Bengals tagging Higgins and working a sign-and-trade, which would mean giving up more capital.

2. Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Likelihood: 6/10

The knock on Godwin is that he is coming off suffering a dislocated left ankle in Week 7 and is placed on IR. There has been talk that he will be cleared to go for 2025.

Godwin is still only 29 years old, but he is elusive with the ball in his hands. He can make any catch, uses his speed well, and is a playmaker who could add something to the Herbert/McConkey dynamic.

Looking back, Godwin was a big reason they won the Super Bowl in 2021, as Mike Evans was with Tom Brady at quarterback. 

Before the Injury, Godwin was on pace for his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. He may command anywhere from $15 million to $22 million a year, but he could help the offense.

3. Stefon Diggs, WR, Houston Texans

Likelihood: 0.5/10

There is always a chance, but he is coming off a torn ACL and doesn't seem like he would fit into the Harbaugh system. Plus, he is going into his 11th season, so he is up there in age.

4. Amari Cooper, WR, Buffalo Bills

Likelihood: 5/10

Cooper is another guy going into his 11th season, but he isn't coming off an injury. He wasn't consistent after becoming a Buffalo Bill and didn't make an impact.

He could be a good, cheap option who wants to remind people that he is still a good player. The Chargers could use a veteran fourth option like Cooper.

5. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Likelihood: 1.5/10

There is a pattern when you get to this point of veteran receivers, but Hopkins's lack of impact down the stretch will hurt him. It will be interesting to see how long he lasts on the open market.

He is a cheap option, but the Chargers need impact players to move the chains. Unfortunately, Hopkins didn't do this last year for Kansas City.

6. Keenan Allen, WR, Chicago Bears

Likelihood: 4/10

There is always a chance, but there was already a breakup between the player and the team. GM Joe Hortiz and Harbaugh already traded Allen once.

Allen did say late in the season that he would only play in Los Angeles or Chicago, but the Chargers aren't the only team in LA. The Rams could also be an option.

Money and role will be two big things that tip the scales. Allen and Herbert are very familiar, but McConkey plays in the slot, as does Allen. There are many factors in play that make it seem like this won't happen.

7. Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Likelihood: 1/10

Brown is a home run hitter. He will make one big catch in a game, but his consistency isn't there. He did return from injury late in the season, so it seemed like he wasn't in shape.

Here, he would have time to get healthy and be ready for the season, but it just doesn't seem like a Harbaugh move. Brown would add speed to the Chargers' offense, which could use it. 

The only way Brown could be a Charger is if an injury happens during camp.

8. Darius Slayton, WR, New York Giants 

Likelihood: 1.5/10

The only reason this is low is that PFF is projecting that he will get a three-year deal for $37.5 million—$12.5 million a year—and the production just doesn't match up.

He has yet to reach 1,000 yards in a season, but he hasn't played with a quarterback like Herbert. Slayton could be a good addition if they can lower the salary, and maybe the former Giant will take a one-year prove-it deal.

The last two players are Cowboys Kavontae Turpin and Commanders Dyami Brown, but it doesn't seem like the Chargers would go after them.

Harbaugh and his staff will need three new receivers to help the offense, so expect them to dip in both free agency and the draft to help Herbert find reliable weapons.