Story by
1 move Chargers must make to keep up with Patriots after AJ Brown trade
- Story by
- 1 move Chargers must make to keep up with Patriots after AJ Brown trade
1 move Chargers must make to keep up with Patriots after AJ Brown trade appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The AFC arms race intensified the moment the New England Patriots landed AJ Brown . Mike Vrabel's team made perhaps the most significant move of the offseason by acquiring one of football's most physically dominant receivers. The Patriots added a matchup nightmare capable of transforming games with a single touch. That move should have every AFC contender reevaluating its roster. Perhaps no team should be paying closer attention than the Los Angeles Chargers . Sure, the Chargers enter the 2026 season with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. However, there remains one glaring vulnerability that could ultimately prevent them from keeping pace with New England .
Advertisement
Impressive foundation
Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The franchise underwent a significant philosophical shift by bringing in Mike McDaniel to oversee the offense. His arrival signaled a move toward a more motion-heavy, space-oriented attack.
The Chargers responded by tailoring the roster to fit that vision. Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange were added to reinforce the offensive line. They join Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt to create one of the more intriguing trench groups in the AFC. David Njoku gives Herbert a dynamic target at tight end. Meanwhile, Alec Ingold and Keaton Mitchell add versatility and explosiveness to the backfield alongside Omarion Hampton .
Advertisement
Defensively, continuity remained a priority. Khalil Mack returned to anchor the pass rush. Teair Tart and Dalvin Tomlinson strengthened the front seven. Derwin James Jr continues to serve as one of the league's most versatile defensive chess pieces.
On paper, this is a balanced roster capable of competing with anyone. Yet championship races are usually decided by weaknesses, and the Chargers have a big one.
Chargers' secondary concern
For all the improvements made elsewhere, the Chargers' cornerback room remains the roster's most significant question mark. That issue becomes even more concerning in light of New England's acquisition of Brown.
Advertisement
Every serious contender now boasts multiple receiving threats capable of taking over games. The Patriots have Brown. The Bengals still have Ja'Marr Chase. The Chiefs remain dangerous regardless of personnel changes. The Bills feature DJ Moore alongside Josh Allen . The Texans possess one of the conference's deepest receiving groups.
Eventually, every contender must answer the same question: Can your secondary survive four quarters against elite receivers?
At the moment, the Chargers do not have a definitive answer.
James remains exceptional. However, no safety can erase every weakness on the perimeter. Asking him to compensate for inconsistent cornerback play week after week is unrealistic. The Chargers have talented players in the secondary. However, they lack proven depth and a reliable veteran capable of matching up with the conference's premier outside receivers.
Advertisement
The solution
If Los Angeles wants to keep pace with New England and the AFC elite, signing Marshon Lattimore should be the priority. Few available players offer the combination of experience and upside that Lattimore brings to the table.
At his peak, he was one of the NFL's premier shutdown corners. His physical style, press-man coverage skills, and competitive mentality made him one of the league's most difficult defenders for opposing receivers to handle. Those traits remain valuable. More importantly, they are precisely what the Chargers currently lack.
Lattimore has spent years battling elite receivers across the NFC South. He understands how to disrupt timing routes and challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage. He can survive on an island when defensive coordinators dial up pressure. Against a player like Brown, those skills become invaluable.
Advertisement
The Chargers cannot realistically expect to stop every elite offense they face. However, adding a proven boundary defender would significantly improve their chances of forcing opponents into longer drives.
Risk is worth taking
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Naturally, concerns exist. Lattimore is entering his age-30 season and is working his way back from a significant knee injury. His recent performance levels have not consistently matched the standards he established earlier in his career.
Those concerns are legitimate. However, they are also precisely why this opportunity exists. If Lattimore were still playing at an All-Pro level with a clean bill of health, he would not be available at this stage of the offseason.
Advertisement
The Chargers have an opportunity to capitalize on market conditions. A carefully structured contract loaded with incentives could protect the organization from excessive financial risk.
In many ways, it represents the ideal contender's gamble. Los Angeles would not be betting on Lattimore becoming the player he was five years ago. Instead, they would be betting that he can provide enough quality snaps to stabilize a vulnerable position group and raise the overall ceiling of the defense.
That is a wager worth making. New England made a statement when they traded for AJ Brown . They recognized that standing still is not an option in today's AFC. The Chargers should adopt that same mindset.
Related: Dalvin Tomlinson reveals why he chose Chargers in free agency
