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5 Best Wide Receivers in Chargers History

Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

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5 Best Wide Receivers in Chargers History

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Scott Boeck | Last updated Aug 26, 2026 9:37 AM ET

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Lance Alworth was a franchise icon, while Keenan Allen became the most productive wide receiver in Los Angeles Chargers history.

But who deserves the No. 1 spot?

Alworth and Allen played in completely different eras and brought very different styles to the field. Alworth was one of the AFL’s most dynamic deep threats, while Allen built his legacy as one of the NFL’s most precise route runners and reliable targets.

And while Pro Football Hall of Famers Kellen Winslow and Antonio Gates were two of the most prolific receivers in franchise history, both played tight end and therefore aren’t included on this list.

So, who are the top five wide receivers in Chargers history?

5. Gary Garrison (1966–1976)

Known as “The Ghost,” Gary Garrison was one of the Chargers’ premier deep threats throughout the late 1960s and 1970s. In 11 seasons with San Diego, Garrison recorded 7,533 receiving yards and 58 touchdowns while earning four AFL All-Star or Pro Bowl selections.

Garrison played 131 games for the Chargers, the third-most in franchise history among wide receivers, and ranks fourth in franchise history in receiving yards among wideouts.

4. Wes Chandler (1981–1987)

Wes Chandler earned four Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors in 1982. Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports

Wes Chandler was one of the most explosive receivers of the Chargers’ “Air Coryell” era. In seven seasons with San Diego, he recorded 6,132 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns while earning four Pro Bowl selections and first-team All-Pro honors in 1982.

Chandler was a key part of one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses and finished his Chargers career with 94 games played, fourth among the wide receivers on this list.

3. Charlie Joiner (1976–1986)

Charlie Joiner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Charlie Joiner became a cornerstone of the Chargers’ explosive “Air Coryell” offense, forming one of the league’s most dangerous quarterback-receiver combinations with Hall of Famer Dan Fouts.

Across 11 seasons in San Diego, Joiner recorded at least 50 receptions seven times and topped 70 catches in three seasons. He produced four 1,000-yard campaigns and six seasons with at least 930 receiving yards.

A three-time Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 1980, Joiner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

2. Keenan Allen (2013–2023, 2025)

Statistically, Keenan Allen is the most productive wide receiver in Chargers history.

The third-round pick from 2013 finished his Chargers career with 10,530 receiving yards, the most in franchise history among wide receivers.

Allen also ranks second among Chargers wide receivers with 59 receiving touchdowns and averaged 75.8 receiving yards per game, the third-highest mark in franchise history among wideouts. His consistency and route-running made him one of the most reliable receivers of his generation.

1. Lance Alworth (1962–1970)

Former Chargers wide receiver Lance Alworth reacts as he is inducted into the Chargers hall of fame during a ceremony at Jack Murphy Stadium.Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

Nicknamed “Bambi,” Lance Alworth is not only the greatest wide receiver in Chargers history but one of the most iconic players in franchise history.

In nine seasons with San Diego, Alworth amassed 9,584 receiving yards and 81 touchdowns, won an AFL championship and helped redefine the deep-threat position with his combination of speed, athleticism, and big-play ability.

Alworth was named All-AFL seven consecutive seasons from 1963 through 1969 and played in the AFL’s final seven All-Star Games.

He became the first AFL player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he was enshrined in 1978, cementing his place as the Chargers’ all-time receiving great.