Joe Hortiz Addresses Chargers’ WR Plans

Coming off the 2024 campaign – during which the Chargers were without Keenan Allen and Mike Williams – wide receiver was named as a position for the team to target this spring. Williams is back in the fold, and Los Angeles used a pair of draft picks on wideouts.

While further moves could of course be in store, the team is not looking to add further at the WR spot right now. General manager Joe Hortiz was asked during an appearance on Up & Adams about the possibility of acquiring another wideout (video link). His response made it clear spring workouts will take place before any move on that front is made.

“I think we’re going to see what we have out there this weekend [during rookie minicamp] and through OTAs, but I’d never say we’re done adding anything,” Hortiz said. “Any chance we can get – if we need the help, if we can help improve the team and the competitiveness of the team and competition at the position.”

Williams spent his first seven years with the Bolts, topping 1,000 yards twice during that span. Last offseason – Hortiz’s debut campaign at the helm – he was released in a cost-shedding move similar to the trade which ended Allen’s tenure in the organization. Williams had an underwhelming tenure with the Jets before finishing the 2024 season in Pittsburgh. His one-year, $3MM pact will provide him with the opportunity to bounce back in a familiar environment, though.

Los Angeles took Tre Harris at No. 55 in last month’s draft, and the Ole Miss product will be expected to carve out at least a rotational role early in his career. Fellow rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith will likewise be able to contribute as part of the team’s new-look WR room. They are joined by other recent draftees in the form of Quentin Johnston (first round, 2023) and Ladd McConkey (second round, 2024). Former first-rounder Jalen Reagor is also in position to compete for a roster spot.

The Chargers lost Josh Palmer in free agency, and Allen remains on the market as a potential signing to help replace him. The latter has previously been linked to interest in remaining a member of the Bears (something which appears unlikely at this point) or returning to Los Angeles via a Rams or Chargers pact. Bolts head coach Jim Harbaugh expressed an openness to reuniting Allen with the team prior to the draft, although Hortiz did not further that sentiment.

With more than $29MM in cap space, the Chargers can certainly afford to add Allen or another veteran receiver. Based on Hortiz’s remarks, though, nothing should be considered imminent at this time.

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