Chargers Unlikely To Make WR Addition

Unless general manager Joe Hortiz changes his mind, this could close the book on Allen’s outstanding two-stint, two-city run with the Chargers. Allen joined the then-San Diego Chargers as a third-round pick in 2013. After the Chargers moved to Los Angeles in 2017, Allen earned six Pro Bowl nods in a seven-year span.

The Bolts cut ties when they traded Allen to the Bears for a fourth-rounder in 2024, but it was only a one-year separation. He came back to catch a team-high 81 passes for 777 yards and four touchdowns during a full 17-game season.

Allen’s return to the Chargers in 2025 enabled him to pass Hall of Fame tight end Antonio Gates for the most catches in Chargers history (985). Including his one season in Chicago, the 34-year-old has hauled in 1,055 – good for 13th on the all-time receptions list. The overall body of work is exceptional, and Allen still had something left in the tank last year, but he remains a free agent. Allen and Stefon Diggs look like the best options left on the open market, but it does not appear either will play for the Chargers in 2026.

While Hortiz has not added any notable veteran wideouts since the league year kicked off in March, he did draft former Mississippi State speedster Brenen Thompson in the fourth round. The Chargers “feel great about” the 5-foot-9, 164-pound Thompson’s performance in training camp and the progress holdovers Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris and Derius Davis have made, Graziano relays.

Los Angeles exercised Johnston’s fifth-year option for 2027 in April, signifying the team’s confidence in him, and previously made 2025 draft investments in Harris (second round) and KeAndre Lambert-Smith (fifth round). Ladd McConkey, a 2024 second-rounder, tops the Chargers’ receiver depth chart. With dual-threat running back Omarion Hampton and quality tight ends Oronde Gadsden, David Njoku and Charlie Kolar also in the fold, the Bolts are not champing at the bit to add another pass catcher.