If the Chargers don’t make a splash at wide receiver this offseason, the next leap might have to come from within - and all eyes are on Ladd McConkey.
After a record-setting rookie campaign, McConkey’s second year didn’t quite hit the same highs. The numbers tell the story: 112 targets and 82 catches in Year 1 dropped to 106 targets and just 66 receptions in Year 2.
That’s a 16-catch dip on nearly the same workload. The yardage followed suit - from 1,149 yards as a rookie (a franchise record for first-year wideouts) down to 789 in Year 2.
Now, context matters. McConkey played 16 games in both seasons, so the comparison is apples to apples. And while his rookie numbers were set in the era of 16-game seasons, they still hold weight - he didn’t get any extra games to pad the stats.
But this isn’t just about counting numbers. The eye test showed a shift, too.
As a rookie, McConkey was a chain-mover - 52 of his 82 catches went for first downs, a strong 63% conversion rate. In Year 2, that dipped to 35 first downs on 66 receptions, or 53%.
It’s not a collapse, but it’s a noticeable slide in impact.
Still, the upside is clear. That rookie-year potential didn’t vanish - it just stalled.
It’s worth noting that both of McConkey’s seasons came under the now-departed Greg Roman, so there wasn’t a schematic shift to blame. That’s about to change.
With Roman out and Jim Harbaugh calling for a “fresh start,” the Chargers are in the market for a new offensive identity - and that could be exactly what McConkey needs.
There’s no shortage of offensive minds available, especially with several experienced head coaches hitting the market. Whether the Chargers go for a full-on overhaul or just a creative reset, there’s a real opportunity to unlock more from McConkey - and the entire passing game.
One name to watch: Marcus Brady. The team’s passing game coordinator just wrapped up his first season in L.A. and interviewed this week for the offensive coordinator job. Brady has OC experience from his time in Indianapolis, and if he gets the nod, it’ll be fascinating to see how he builds around this young core.
Quentin Johnston, lining up opposite McConkey, had a breakout year of his own. So whoever takes over the offense will inherit two ascending receivers, a Hall of Fame-caliber veteran in Keenan Allen, and a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. That’s a pretty good place to start.
Speaking of Herbert - the quarterback spot is locked in for the long haul. The challenge now is maximizing the weapons around him.
McConkey is still on his rookie deal, which makes this window even more important. If he breaks out again, that price tag is only going to climb.
And let’s be honest - the sting of back-to-back playoff exits under Harbaugh and Herbert should be fueling this entire offense. Scoring just 3 points in a playoff game with this much talent? That’s not just disappointing - it’s a call to action.
The pieces are there. The potential is real. Now it’s about putting it all together - and McConkey’s growth could be a major key to unlocking the next level for the Chargers’ offense.