Official 2026 Chargers Roster Discussion | Roster Build | Free Agency

[dmac_bolt]

I think people forget there were quite a few better offenses in the NFL than the Chargers that get a lot more first downs than the Chargers....without Keenan Allen.

And if you think a little deeper...if some of those 3rd and Keenan throws went to Ladd, who also can get open quickly, those 3rd down targets could get maybe 16-17 yards or more, instead of the 6 or 7 yards Keenan usually gets on 3rd and 5.

Last years passing offense needed more explosion and more YAC, too much plodding down the field. If some of those 81 catches went to faster and better YAC receivers that might help that.

I am not saying signing Keenan later for depth is a bad thing, but rather that the offense will survive and maybe improve without him. He certainly should not lead the team in catches and targets anymore

I think they wait for the initial FA signings and the draft. The FA signings will dictate if they think they have a pick they can assign to a WR prospect. If they do pick on a young WR, Keenan may be left out. Expert talk is the draft is deep in WR2/WR3 type receivers into day 3 and with that 6th pick, we may well have that extra pick they need. If they don't draft a WR, he's probably brought back on a team friendly deal.

This theory about KA getting all of Ladd's touches is over-stated imo - if KA is on the field with him, Ladd may get open more not less. KA is a receiver that defenses will have to cover and respect. Beyond that narrow opening day starter thinking - KA is not simply a first-play first-game replacement for Ladd, he's also insurance against any of the top 3 (Ladd, QK and Harris) missing time for injury. We don't know we can count on KLS yet - his first season was a mistake-riddled compilation of execution errors. Allen can rotate in some snaps to keep other receivers fresher.

we should always have 5 WRs active that we believe can execute plays and help move the ball. It was only 2 years ago ... ahem ...

[CanadianBoltFan]

I think they wait for the initial FA signings and the draft. The FA signings will dictate if they think they have a pick they can assign to a WR prospect. If they do pick on a young WR, Keenan may be left out. Expert talk is the draft is deep in WR2/WR3 type receivers into day 3 and with that 6th pick, we may well have that extra pick they need. If they don't draft a WR, he's probably brought back on a team friendly deal.

This theory about KA getting all of Ladd's touches is over-stated imo - if KA is on the field with him, Ladd may get open more not less. KA is a receiver that defenses will have to cover and respect. Beyond that narrow opening day starter thinking - KA is not simply a first-play first-game replacement for Ladd, he's also insurance against any of the top 3 (Ladd, QK and Harris) missing time for injury. We don't know we can count on KLS yet - his first season was a mistake-riddled compilation of execution errors. Allen can rotate in some snaps to keep other receivers fresher.

we should always have 5 WRs active that we believe can execute plays and help move the ball. It was only 2 years ago ... ahem ...

Good post and I agree that the Chargers likely wait for off season activity to unfold before they bring Keenan back.

You seem to agree that at 34 Keenan is a veteran presence that can add to the mix but should not be leading in targets anymore

[dmac_bolt]

Good post and I agree that the Chargers likely wait for off season activity to unfold before they bring Keenan back.

You seem to agree that at 34 Keenan is a veteran presence that can add to the mix but should not be leading in targets anymore

I do. he's primarily insurance in my view with some plus-adds during the season. I value his first down prowess more than many.

Unless they draft WR, they have the luxury of letting him retire as a Charger - its becoming rare and it would be nice to see if that can work out (just not the priority).

[Boltjolt]

I don't know. They didn't even dress Dissly several games when I'm pretty sure he was healthy.

His lack of contribution and playing time really surprised me this past season. Just two starts. Suited up just 9 times. Only 97 yards in receptions.

He's not a playmaker like Gadsden. He's not a blocker like Fisk. And the biggest thing perhaps: he's just not a special athlete, which impacts both his play as tight end and in Special Teams. His salary isn't cheap for what seems like a JAG. $4 Mil Saved if we say goodbye.

I prefer the cap savings accrued with moving on. Expect the Chargers to do just that.

In '26 he'll be 9 years removed from his athletic peak...which was never much to begin with.

DissRAS.jpg

Not that those RAS mean anything anyway. Many good players have had bad RAS scores, like Cooper Kupp. RAS scores are pretty lame measures imo. But i do agree that Dissly hasnt had any impact for us.

[wu-dai clan]

I think they wait for the initial FA signings and the draft. The FA signings will dictate if they think they have a pick they can assign to a WR prospect. If they do pick on a young WR, Keenan may be left out. Expert talk is the draft is deep in WR2/WR3 type receivers into day 3 and with that 6th pick, we may well have that extra pick they need. If they don't draft a WR, he's probably brought back on a team friendly deal.

This theory about KA getting all of Ladd's touches is over-stated imo - if KA is on the field with him, Ladd may get open more not less. KA is a receiver that defenses will have to cover and respect. Beyond that narrow opening day starter thinking - KA is not simply a first-play first-game replacement for Ladd, he's also insurance against any of the top 3 (Ladd, QK and Harris) missing time for injury. We don't know we can count on KLS yet - his first season was a mistake-riddled compilation of execution errors. Allen can rotate in some snaps to keep other receivers fresher.

we should always have 5 WRs active that we believe can execute plays and help move the ball. It was only 2 years ago ... ahem ...

Agreed. Ladd was dinged, dropping passes early in '25. He was just a little off.

Then, Herbert had to make quick decisions due to pressure. He took advantage of the chemistry he has with Keenan.

Later, Justin left lots of meat on the bone with McConkey. Ultimately, #10 determines who is targeted, most often in a flash. Give him time.

[Velo]

How do you feel about letting Keenan walk and signing Mike Evans?

Evans will turn 33 before the season starts, he missed 9 or 10 games last season due to a broken collarbone and a hammy injury.

PFF projects he will get a 1 year contract for $18M.

Spotrac projects $13-$13.5M per for a 1-2 year contract.

[Bolt4Knob]

How do you feel about letting Keenan walk and signing Mike Evans?

Evans will turn 33 before the season starts, he missed 9 or 10 games last season due to a broken collarbone and a hammy injury.

PFF projects he will get a 1 year contract for $18M.

Spotrac projects $13-$13.5M per for a 1-2 year contract.

I would rather they give Shaheed like 12-14m - if they are going WR
That being said, I still have TE behind Edge x 2, OC and OG.

[Bolts4ever213]

Speed, I don’t think in this offense speed is a must, but Allen has no speed. Fix the oline, let the young wide out run like the wind, and run the ball.

[Velo]

Speed, I don’t think in this offense speed is a must, but Allen has no speed. Fix the oline, let the young wide out run like the wind, and run the ball.

Speed can't be taught, but it can be overrated. Many of the best WRs in the game today are not speed demons. Puka Nacua is an example. His 2023 Combine time was 4.57, but his 1715 yds receiving last season was just 78 yds fewer than JSN, both caught 10 TD passes. Nacua has arguably been the best WR in the league the past 3 seasons. JSN is not exactly a speed demon either, 4.48 at his Ohio State Pro Day in 2023, he's not a 4.3 guy. Toughness, good route running, the ability to create separation are more valuable than pure speed.

[Boltnut]

Disagree ... i think you are influenced by the perception of QJ from the years before. I saw a guy starting to track the ball and fight for it last year.

The oline and GRO were such train wrecks, they couldn't take advantage of it.

Actually, not correct. I've actually stood up for QJ more than any other poster here @TPB.
He's developing... but he's still a ways away from being in the Top-20 deep threats.
As I've noted multiple times before... he was putting up great numbers the first few games.
Most of that had to do with defenses gearing up to stop the famous Roman run game.
Safeties cheating up... and the best CB's matching up with Ladd and Keenan.

The OL became a train wreck... and proper evaluation of QJ ceased. You can't observe what ain't there.
With a fixed OL, I expect him to do well this coming year. But am I extending him and coughing up $20m...?
Hell no! Let someone else pay that contract. Take your 3rd round comp pick and reload.
You can't re-sign everybody...

[Boltnut]

Get a wide reciever on day 3 ... not best use of a draft pick taking away from other receivers.

And just not getting the Denzel Boston love here.
Concepcion ... .lots to like, but again ... All Pro? No, he is not Dexter Lawrence.

... and neither or any of the DT's in this draft...

I can live without Denzel Boston. He's a redzone beast... which we don't have... but another receiving target later is fine by me.
I guess we're back to edge rusher...

[Chargers8491]

How do you feel about letting Keenan walk and signing Mike Evans?

Evans will turn 33 before the season starts, he missed 9 or 10 games last season due to a broken collarbone and a hammy injury.

PFF projects he will get a 1 year contract for $18M.

Spotrac projects $13-$13.5M per for a 1-2 year contract.

Give me Shaheed. Younger and more speed. Plus, he can take over PR/KR duties.