EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Jim Harbaugh has the Los Angeles Chargers playing good football on both sides. That doesn't mean they can't add some firepower on either side of the ball to help improve it.
The defense is one of the best in the NFL, and it does not allow points to be scored, sacking the quarterback and taking the ball away. There is one trade to help improve the defense.
The focus is more on the offensive side of the ball because the team has several problems, including inconsistency. Sunday's game against the Browns was a perfect example.
Justin Herbert and Co. took a 20-3 lead by halftime, but when they came out for the second half, it felt like they had left the offense in the locker room. Herbert threw for only 32 yards in the second half, but they managed to score a touchdown off a 7-yard rushing touchdown by JK Dobbins.
Two playmakers and two offensive linemen are on the list because, to be frank, they could use help up front. The trade deadline is on Tuesday November 5th at 4 p.m.ET/1 p.m.PT.
There is no particular order to this list, but here it is:
Darius Slayton, Wide Receiver, New York Giants
2024 stats: 32 catches for 469 yards and 1 TD
Slayton is a dynamic receiver who, with the correct quarterback, could help an offense stand out. The two performances that were eye-opening were against the Seahawks and Steelers.
He was unguardable. Combined, he had 12 catches for 230 yards plus a touchdown. Now, his inclusion in an offense with Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer could help make him and the offense more dynamic.
Herbert is on a tear right now, and the team adding a receiver like Slayton, who gets separation and is a solid route runner, could be a difference-maker down the line when they face tougher teams and defenses.
Greg Newsome, Cornerback, Cleveland Browns
2024 stats: 20 tackles, three passes defended
Newsome instantly brings some juice to the Chargers' secondary. He is a very talented, aggressive corner, which Harbaugh and Minter would love to add.
Now, the tricky part is that they have Asante Samuel Jr. on IR, but Harbaugh has been very vague about his return. He could be activated this week, but who knows how long he will be sidelined.
The Chargers are also missing Kristian Fulton due to a hamstring injury. Newsome is under contract for 2025 unless the team decides to extend him, as he is still on his rookie deal.
Their defense has been one of the best in the NFL, but adding a player like Newsome could really take them to new heights, with the Chiefs and Ravens possessing high-power offensive potential.
David Njoku, Tight End, Cleveland Browns
2024 stats: 30 catches for 255 yards, 2 TDs
This trade would give the Chargers a reliable tight end that could make every play. He could help extend drives and is another weapon given to Herbert.
The YAC aspect of Njoku's game could help improve the offense. He is exceptional at breaking tackles and not going down easily. Also, it feels like Njoku needs to be saved, so the combination of him could help him show that Cleveland has wasted him in recent years.
He has a cap hit of under $5 million for the rest of this season, and the Chargers could cut him after this year because his contract has expired.
Eric McCoy, Center, New Orleans Saints or Brandon Scherff, Guard, Jacksonville Jaguars
It is no secret that the Chargers' offensive line has been heavily criticized lately, especially the inside of the group. Herbert is coming off being sacked six times by Cleveland.
If they want to make the playoffs and potentially go on a run, they need to make a trade to improve it.
McCoy does have a big new contract, but Harbaugh has in the past spent big money on his offensive line. New Orleans could use the cap relief, with them being $60 million over for next season. McCoy is only 27 years old and could bring stability to the offensive line.
This might not happen because Bradley Bozeman is a player this new regime brought in on a one-year deal, so they may want to keep him as the starter. Going this route gives them a solid center for the next four-plus seasons.
Now, when it comes to Scherff, he is a three-time all-pro who could instantly change the offensive line, similar to McCoy.
Scherff would be brought in to switch to his original college position of right guard. Zion Johnson is a former first-round draft pick of the previous regime. He hasn't looked like the Zion Johnson from his rookie season, and his struggles are noticeable.
If they bring in an all-pro to help protect Herbert, the offense will be able to improve even more than it has in the last two weeks.