Young Chargers Star Provided Desperately Needed Safety Valve

Got That Big Kick Energy?

That skillset is why Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton recently labeled McConkey as the Chargers’ most promising long-term offensive building block. While the team brought in help — veteran Mike Williams returned, rookie Tre Harris was added, and tight end Tyler Conklin joined in free agency — McConkey is still the glue holding the passing game together. As Moton noted, with a 73.2% catch rate and the ability to line up both inside and out, McConkey is poised to lead the Chargers in receiving categories for a second straight year.

But there’s one wrinkle the Chargers can’t ignore: durability. McConkey suffered a string of injuries last season — a hip issue in Week 6, followed by shoulder and knee problems in Week 13. Though he only officially missed one game, his physical, aggressive style raised concerns. As wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal pointed out, “Ladd’s a competitor; he’s going to try and run through all of them. But this is the NFL — you will get hurt.”

To his credit, McConkey has already taken steps to adapt, recently emphasizing his focus on avoiding unnecessary hits and learning to fall more safely. And with the Chargers investing heavily in the offensive line and run game — adding Najee Harris and drafting Omarion Hampton — the hope is that McConkey won’t have to carry quite as much of the offensive burden in 2025.

Still, when the pocket collapses and Herbert needs a lifeline, there may be no better option in the NFL than No. 84. In just one year, Ladd McConkey has gone from rookie standout to one of football’s most reliable and efficient pressure-beaters — and he’s only getting started.