The Atlanta Falcons traded away Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a second and fourth-round pick. The Los Angeles Chargers were among the teams interested in acquiring Jones, but history shows that they were unlikely to ever pull the trigger.
The Chargers feel that their current corps of receivers is enough to weaponize quarterback Justin Herbert for the 2021 season. With stars Keenan Allen and Mike Williams leading the way, adding Jones would have forced some talented receivers to stand on the sidelines. The Chargers just drafted receiver Josh Palmer in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and Jalen Guyton and Tyron Johnson are competing for the WR3 spot . The Bolts’ offense is talented as it stands, and adding Jones would have elevated it even more. However, Los Angeles decided to focus on other aspects of the roster as they head into camp in the next few weeks.
History Shows That Chargers Rarely Trade for Players
In the last 50 years, the Chargers traded away a ton of talent across the league, like Lance Alworth, Junior Seau and recently Desmond King. Although, when was the last time the Chargers traded for a player outside of the draft? The list is short, but it includes former players like receiver Charlie Joiner (1976), running back Chuck Muncie (1980) and receiver Wes Chandler (1981).
The Chargers’ strategy has been to work free agency and to draft well. Even going back to their San Diego days, the team didn’t feel comfortable acquiring players during the season. It’s been roughly 40 years since the team has acquired anyone that productively improved the team.
If another player in the league is on the verge of being traded, don’t expect the Chargers to do anything. This team has dealt with many injuries over the last decade and still yielded in making a move. So, with a roster shy of injuries, it’s even less likely they trade for anyone.