Chargers in Talks to Add Veteran Wide Receiver

After watching quarterback Justin Herbert take a beating in a 16-3 loss to the New England Patriots in the wild-card round, the Los Angeles Chargers made the offensive line a priority this offseason.

The Chargers signed center Tyler Biadasz to a three-year, $30 million deal. Los Angeles took offensive linemen Jake Slaughter in the second round, Travis Burke in the fourth round, Logan Taylor in the sixth round and Alex Harkey in the sixth round.

However, the Chargers have some work to do at wide receiver this offseason.

Herbert did a good job of mixing up his targets last season. Ladd McConkey led the Chargers with 66 receptions for 789 yards and six touchdowns. Keenan Allen recorded 81 receptions for 777 yards and four touchdowns. Quentin Johnston caught 51 passes for 735 yards and eight touchdowns.

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Allen, 34, is a free agent this offseason. He signed a one-year deal worth $8.5 million in August before the 2025 season.

During an appearance on “Up & Adams” on Thursday, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said he’s been in talks with Allen’s camp about returning for another season. He addressed rumors floating that Allen could join the Chargers’ AFC West rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, saying he didn’t want to see the receiver end up in Kansas City.

“Right now we’re in a spot where we’re looking at the roster and letting these young guys get a chance," Hortiz said. “But I’ve had some communication with Keenan’s representation. We talk. Right now, our guys that we have here, we’re letting them grow and develop, but nothing but love for Keenan. That door is not closed. Would not like to see him in the red.”

The Chargers drafted Allen in the third round of the 2013 draft. He’s only spent the 2024 season with the Chicago Bears outside of the Chargers organization.

After a solid 2025 campaign, the Chargers should bring back Allen for another run at the postseason. Herbert would gain another receiver he’s built chemistry with.

More importantly, the Chargers defense wouldn’t have to try to stop Allen twice this season with Patrick Mahomes dishing him the ball.

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 2:01 PM.