The Chargers have been hit with injuries to key players, but it’s safe to say their roster is still solid. Nonetheless, a couple of premium position groups could be revamped as we near the halfway point of the season.
With that in mind, let’s identify a few players who would make sense for Los Angeles via trade, with the deadline quickly approaching on November 1.
EDGE Jerry Hughes, Texans
After losing Joey Bosa to a groin injury, the Chargers’ pass rush off the edge opposite Khalil Mack hasn’t been as impactful. Therefore, it would make sense for them to look to add someone capable of getting after the quarterback, like Hughes. At 34 years old, Hughes is enjoying one of his best seasons to date. He leads the team with four sacks but has also added 14 pressures, an interception and a forced fumble. Still, with likely zero chances for the Texans to contend, they could see this as an opportunity to build for the future.
WR Elijah Moore, Jets
After Jalen Guyton suffered a torn ACL a few weeks ago, the Chargers don’t have any speed at the wide receiver position. Moore, who runs a 4.32 40, has that. Moore, the Jets’ 2021 first-round pick, is not happy with his current role with the team, leading him to request a trade. As a rookie, Moore caught 43 passes on 77 targets for 538 yards, along with a rushing touchdown in 11 games.
EDGE Robert Quinn, Bears
The Chargers already stole a player from the Bears in Mack, and they shouldn’t shy away from taking another. Quinn’s 2022 season hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows, as he has just one sack. But he is only one season removed from his best campaign, with 18.5 sacks and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. Like Hughes, Quinn is not likely to be in his team’s long-term plans, which could lead to being dealt for draft compensation.
WR Darius Slayton, Giants
Slayton is another option who has the jets to provide a threat vertically, as evident from his 4.39 40. In his first three seasons, Slayton’s yards per reception was over 13.0. This season, he has eight catches on 12 targets for 108 yards. After the arrivals of Kenny Golladay, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Kadarius Toney, Slayton does not have a role with the Giants, which could mean he’s ready for a fresh start.
EDGE Lorenzo Carter, Falcons
Carter has the traits that Brandon Staley covets in an edge defender: long and explosive. After starting his career with the Giants, Carter was signed by the Falcons this March, where he’s provided a spark off the edge. Carter has 11 pressures, seven run stops and two sacks. Trading Carter would allow Atlanta to give more playing time to rookies Arnold Ebeketie and DeAngelo Malone.
WR Marquez Callaway, Saints
While he is not known for having speed like others mentioned, Callaway is still a fine deep threat. Familiarity plays a role in the players the Chargers bring in, and Callaway has that, having been with the Saints in 2020 when offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi was their quarterbacks coach. He also played with Josh Palmer at Tennessee. Callaway recorded career highs in his second season in New Orleans in 2021, posting 46 catches for 698 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 15.2 yards per reception. When the position group is back to full strength, led by Chris Olave, Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry, it will be difficult for Callaway to get targets.
