Could Justin Herbert Be Throwing to Deebo Samuel Next Season?

The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to upgrade their wide receiver room, and a blockbuster move could be on the horizon. Former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel has officially requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers, opening the door for a potential partnership with star quarterback Justin Herbert. ESPN Senior NFL insider Adam Schefter broke the news, and the possibility of Samuel landing in Los Angeles is already generating excitement.

What Deebo Samuel Brings to the Chargers

Deebo Samuel has spent the last six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons. His breakout campaign came in the 2021-2022 season when he earned First-Team All-Pro honors and helped lead the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game.

Samuel isn’t just a receiver—he’s a unique hybrid playmaker who has referred to himself as a “wide back” due to his ability to dominate both as a wide receiver and a running back. His versatility makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, capable of breaking tackles, extending plays, and scoring from anywhere on the field.

In 2024, Samuel’s production dipped as the 49ers struggled through a disappointing 6-11 season. Despite the setback, his talent remains undeniable, and a fresh start with the Chargers could reignite his playmaking abilities. Los Angeles already struck gold with rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the 2024 NFL Draft, but outside of him, their receiving corps lacked consistency. Adding Samuel would give Herbert a proven weapon and provide the Chargers’ offense with a much-needed spark.

Could Cooper Kupp Be Another Option?

If the Chargers miss out on Samuel, they could still look to make a splash by pursuing another proven veteran—Los Angeles Rams star Cooper Kupp.

Kupp, one of the NFL’s most reliable and technically sound receivers, has reportedly been made available for trade. The Rams are seeking a trade partner, and the Chargers could be an ideal landing spot. While Kupp is on the back end of his career, he remains a high-IQ receiver with elite route-running skills. When healthy, he is still capable of putting up big numbers.

His best season came in 2021-2022, when he won the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award, led the league in receiving yards, and was named Super Bowl LVI MVP. While injuries have slowed him down in recent years, Kupp’s presence alongside Herbert could instantly elevate the Chargers’ passing attack.

Justin Herbert’s 2024-2025 Season: A Step Forward

Despite dealing with inconsistency in his receiving corps, Justin Herbert put together a solid 2024-2025 campaign. He finished the season with 3,870 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and only three interceptions—leading the Chargers to their best regular-season record since he was drafted in 2020.

Los Angeles finished 11-6, securing the AFC’s top wild-card spot. However, their playoff run was short-lived, as they were eliminated by the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.

With Herbert entering his prime, the Chargers must capitalize on his talent by surrounding him with the right pieces. Whether it’s Deebo Samuel, Cooper Kupp, or another top-tier receiver, Los Angeles has a golden opportunity to strengthen its offense and take another step toward becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Will the Chargers Make a Move?

As the offseason heats up, the Chargers’ front office will need to decide how aggressive they want to be in upgrading their roster. Herbert has already proven he can lead this team to success, but giving him a dynamic weapon like Samuel or Kupp could take the Chargers to the next level.

All eyes will be on Los Angeles as they look to make a splash in the trade market. If they land a star receiver, expect the Chargers to be one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC next season.