Are the stars aligning for the Bolts?
Last night, the Los Angeles Chargers got the preseason under way with a convincing win over the Detroit Lions in the Hall of Fame game.
There were notable performances from Trey Lance and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, over who I am trying to contain my excitement.
But away from Canton, Ohio, the biggest news of the day was breaking in Washington.
Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has requested a trade, after months of negotiations over a new deal.
The news is the last thing Washington fans wanted to hear, especially after a 1,000+ yard season that included 13 touchdowns.
But should McLaurin leave, the Commanders’ loss will be someone else’s gain.
If the Bolts are serious about mounting a Super Bowl challenge in 2025, the opportunity is too good to pass up.
Is the move feasible?
In a word, yes.
Every team would benefit from having a star wide receiver like McLaurin on their roster. But there are not too many franchises where the move would make sense.
The Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots and New York Jets have all been immediately linked with ‘Scary Terry’. The Cleveland Browns have also been mentioned here and there.
But a move to LA to join the Chargers, on paper, makes total sense.
Following the sudden retirement of Mike Williams, the Chargers wide receiver room is lacking in experience.
The talent of Ladd McConkey is undeniable after his stellar rookie season, but behind him, the depth chart has question marks.
Quentin Johnston has had well-documented struggles, while Trey Harris and Lambert-Smith are both rookies. It is a room crying out for a veteran presence.
The Chargers also have $86 million in cap space to use for an extension into 2026, should they sign McLaurin up for more than just one season.
Does it make sense for McLaurin?
Again, yes.
McLaurin turns 30 this September and will want to sign for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Of course, there will be those that say the Chargers have never won a Super Bowl, and have not even been to the big game since 1995.
But there is a huge wave of positivity surrounding the team going into Jim Harbaugh’s second year in charge.
A move to Los Angeles would see McLaurin link up with Justin Herbert, and instantly form one of the league’s best wide receiver duos alongside McConkey.
There is nothing to suggest that the Chargers have made a move for McLaurin at this early stage. But if they are serious about going all the way this season, it should be the first thing on Friday’s agenda.
