Jim Harbaugh isn’t your typical head coach. He has his own way of managing things for the good of the team. His recent trade of Keenan Allen defied analysts’ expectations, who thought the Los Angeles Chargers would retain their loyal WR while trading other potentials to handle their salary cap issue. But now, much to the surprise of the football world, the 31-year-old has been traded to the Chicago Bears after spending 10 seasons in Los Angeles. What could be the ramifications of this trade? 

While this may leave their WR room bare, Harbaugh might have a bigger picture in mind with the Chargers’ fifth pick. On top of that, improving their offense is a massive requirement while keeping their eyes on their salary cap. So when a potential 6’5″, 315-pounder enters free agency with an affordable value, Harbaugh will likely sign him up.

The Chargers might sign OT Andre Dillard in free agency

This season, the offensive line is something to address because Justin Herbert will need all the protection he can get. A recent X post by the LA Football Network revealed off-season news that might lead to Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers seeing a new face in their team. The post says: “The #Chargers could target former First-Round OT Andre Dillard in Free Agency per @ChargerReport.”

Former Tennessee Titans OT Andre Dillard was recently released after his first season when he appeared in 16 games and started in 10. Last season was terrible for him as he allowed 12 sacks and 41 pressures, resulting in him getting benched multiple times. He signed a $29 million deal with the Titans spanning three years. Considering that he was a first-round pick in 2019 by the Philadelphia Eagles, with whom he played four seasons, his potential could still be revived with a change in the environment and leadership. Andre Dillard could bring talent and affordability for Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers, who are facing salary cap issues that led to Keenan Allen being traded in the first place. 

Exploring the Chargers’ WR dilemma

After trading their longest-tenured player, Keenan Allen, on Thursday night, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are left without a WR who fits the new HC’s description of a winning lineup. Allen, who played solely for the Chargers since 2013, was a 6x Pro Bowl selection and record holder for the Chargers’ WRs with 10,530 receiving yards and 904 receptions.

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While his trade may seem questionable, it might make room for a much-needed WR during the 2024 NFL Draft. Several elite WR prospects are entering the Draft this year. At the top are Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU’s Malik Nabers, and Washington’s Rome Odunze. With the Chargers holding the fifth pick and the first three teams with high chances to pick QBs, one of these prospects could land in the Chargers roster.

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