The Los Angeles Chargers enter Jim Harbaugh’s second year with playoff expectations and an urgency to surround Justin Herbert with the talent needed to contend in the AFC. They’ve already reunited with Keenan Allen after Mike Williams’ abrupt retirement, but given their cap space and draft flexibility, Los Angeles could still be active in the trade market.
Here are five realistic trade calls the Chargers should consider before Week 1.
1. Romeo Doubs, WR, Green Bay Packers
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Romeo Doubs faces a crowded depth chart in Green Bay, making him an intriguing trade target for Los Angeles. The 25-year-old has been productive — 46 catches, 601 yards, and four touchdowns in 13 games last year — and at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, he still has untapped upside.
With Mike Williams retiring shortly after joining the team, the Chargers should be open to taking a chance on Doubs blossoming in their offense.
The sticking point is cost. A seventh-rounder likely won’t cut it for a receiver with back-to-back productive seasons, but if the price lands closer to a fourth-rounder, this is the kind of depth swing that could pay off.
2. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati has been shopping Hendrickson, last season’s sack leader, amid stalled contract talks. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Bengals want “a first-round pick and a young defensive player” in return.
Los Angeles has the cap space — $27.2 million per Over The Cap — and a glaring need for another pass-rush anchor after moving on from Joey Bosa. A proposed package of a 2026 first-rounder and safety Elijah Molden could get the conversation started.
Pairing Hendrickson with Khalil Mack would instantly give Harbaugh one of the league’s most feared defensive fronts.
3. Tyreek Hill, WR, Miami Dolphins
Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus argued the Chargers should make a bold swing if Miami dangles Hill. His suggested deal: sending the No. 86, No. 181, and a sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft for Hill and a late-rounder.
“The Chargers haven’t solved their issues at receiver,” Valentine wrote, noting that Hill would immediately elevate Herbert’s arsenal alongside rookie standout Ladd McConkey.
The challenge, of course, is Hill’s contract — three years, $90 million remaining — but Los Angeles could absorb it. Even with declining numbers (81 catches, 959 yards, six TDs in 2024), Hill’s pedigree as an eight-time Pro Bowler speaks for itself.
4. Cole Strange, G, New England Patriots
New England has overhauled its offensive line under new head coach Mike Vrabel, and former first-round pick Cole Strange may not have a path back into the starting five.
Strange has struggled with injuries and inconsistency, yet he remains just 27 years old and could provide much-needed depth on the Chargers’ interior line.
5. Running Back Help via Kansas City’s Moves
The Chiefs are actively exploring running back trades, per Russini, which could create ripple effects. If Kansas City lands a new back, veterans like Elijah Mitchell or bubble player Carson Steele could hit the market.
Mitchell, who once flashed in San Francisco, hasn’t recaptured his burst but could thrive in a change of scenery. Steele, meanwhile, brings special-teams versatility despite a down preseason.
Neither is a splashy move, but with Najee Harris still working back from injury, low-cost RB depth could prove crucial in September.
6. Josh Uche, EDGE – Philadelphia Eagles
Chargers should consider calling the Philadelphia Eagles about linebacker Josh Uche. A former second-round pick, Uche flashed major upside in 2022 with 11.5 sacks for the Patriots but has struggled to find consistency since. His brief stint in Kansas City last season didn’t pan out, as he managed just 10 tackles in six games before moving on.
Now with Philadelphia, Uche is earning strong reviews, including praise from veteran tackle Lane Johnson, who highlighted his quickness and disruptive traits. For a Chargers defense still searching for reliable depth behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, Uche represents a low-risk, high-upside swing. He’s only 26, explosive off the edge, and could thrive in Jesse Minter’s scheme if given rotational snaps.
If the Eagles’ crowded pass rush group makes Uche expendable, the Chargers should be ready to pounce before another AFC contender does.
The Bottom Line
The Chargers are already built to compete, but Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz know the AFC arms race doesn’t allow for complacency. Whether it’s swinging big on Hendrickson or Hill, or adding depth pieces like Doubs and Strange, Los Angeles has the resources to upgrade.
The question is whether they’ll make the calls now — or risk falling behind once the season begins.
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