Chargers named best landing spot for ex-49ers All-Pro receiver

The Los Angeles Chargers enjoyed a respectable 2025-26 NFL campaign. 

The franchise won 11 regular-season games and reached the postseason for the second consecutive season. That said, the Chargers’ 16-3 AFC Wild Card loss to the New England Patriots made one thing clear: the franchise must upgrade its receiving core pronto.

Pro Football Focus’ Mason Cameron believes that under the right circumstances, the Chargers could land an ex-San Francisco 49ers All-Pro receiver.

“Despite having a perceived down year in Washington, Samuel still profiles as a strong complementary piece to any receiving corps,” Cameron stated last Thursday. 

“He produced the lowest PFF receiving grade (70.3) of his career in 2025 but still showcased his talents as one of the most effective receivers in the game after the catch, generating 6.5 yards after the catch per reception on average, a mark that ranks in the 92nd percentile among qualifying receivers.”

“Although the Chargers maintain a solid group of young receivers, highlighted by Ladd McConkey, the group lacks playmaking ability after the catch, ranking just 26th in yards after catch per reception this past season. Not only could Samuel increase that output, but he would also provide the group with a veteran presence following Keenan Allen‘s departure.”

Samuel wasn’t great with the Commanders last season, but his track record suggests that the South Carolina product could be highly effective in the right system. 

Samuel earned first-team All-Pro honors with the 49ers in 2021-22, finishing the contest with 1,405 receiving yards and six touchdowns on a San Francisco squad that reached the NFC Championship game. 

If the 29-year-old joins Los Angeles in free agency and regains his 2021-22 form, he could put himself back on the map and improve the Chargers’ odds of finally making a deep run in the playoffs.

Time will tell whether the Chargers and Samuel reach a deal before the new season begins.

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