Chargers trade rumors heat up for Justin Herbert's dream pass catcher

There is a perfect young playmaker available in the open market for the Los Angeles Chargers to acquire, who could make the offense elite in 2025.

The foundation is already partly set for the franchise quarterback Justin Herbert, as he has a future star at receiver in Ladd McConkey, and Omarion Hampton looks to play the part at running back. Over the last couple of years, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has reconstructed the offensive line with the additions of Bradley Bozeman, Joe Alt, and Mekhi Becton.

Los Angeles is searching for one more unique player who can put the team over the top and help the Chargers make a deep postseason run. Herbert might have someone available out there who could do it instantly.

Newly available tight end would look good in the powder blue uniforms

Last week, the Atlanta Falcons and tight end Kyle Pitts mutually agreed to explore a trade with a potential partner for the young player. Since then, speculation has been swirling around as to where his best fit would be.

USA Today writer Jacob Camenker believes he has found the perfect spot in the Chargers for Pitts. It would give Herbert a player who has high potential and a great opportunity to prove himself.

"Justin Herbert loves throwing to his tight ends, as 23% of the Chargers' 491 total targets last season went to players at the position. The Chargers have a couple of solid, veteran tight ends on the roster in Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin, but they could use a higher-ceiling player like Pitts to add upside to the room."

Pitts was the fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft to the Falcons, where he has had a mixed bag of performances with the franchise. He has caught 196 passes for 2,651 yards and 10 touchdowns in 61 games. His rookie season in 2021 saw him eclipse over 1,000 yards and make the Pro Bowl, but he hasn't hit over 700 yards in a season since.

There are several reasons why it hasn't worked out in Atlanta, including his struggles with consistently catching his targets, as he has only caught 58.9% of them. A lack of stability at quarterback hasn't helped matters with quarterbacks like Desmond Ridder, Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr., and current Chargers backup Taylor Heinicke throwing him the football.

The Chargers are not short on tight ends with Dissly and Conklin leading the room. Dissly is coming off the best season of his career with 481 yards and two touchdowns.

Comparing Dissly to Pitts, Dissly had the better PFF overall grade against other NFL tight ends as he was 17th with a 69.4 grade. Pitts was 33rd with a grade of 59.6.

The two together, though, could make a dangerous duo for Herbert to throw to. Pitts is the most athletic of the two and can line up as a wide receiver. Dissly can help in the red zone while defenders focus on Pitts.

It would cost the Chargers anywhere between a second through fourth round pick to acquire Pitts, but it would be worth it to let Pitts finish the last year of his rookie deal and prove he can become Herbert's new best friend.