Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger revealed one free agent for every team they couldn’t afford to lose and wide receiver DeAndre Carter was their submission for the Chargers.
Here is what Spielberger had to say on why Los Angeles shouldn’t let Carter walk.
This is in no way intended as a slight, but ideally, Carter is WR5 or WR6 in 2023 and not WR4. Still, he clearly has the trust of quarterback Justin Herbert and fills in admirably when called upon, bringing a speed element the team doesn’t currently have on the roster otherwise, an area they must improve in 2023. Carter hauled in a career-high 46 receptions with just two drops on 64 targets and is certainly worth keeping around going forward if he doesn’t cash in elsewhere.
Carter was signed to serve just as a return specialist. But things took a turn when Keenan Allen and Mike Williams sustained their respective injuries, leading to Carter getting more playing time at the wide receiver position.
Carter set career highs in catches (46), receiving yards (538), and tied his career high with three receiving touchdowns. He was still an integral piece on special teams, finishing second in the league in yards per punt return.
Carter was an important player this season but was he enough to warrant a contract extension by a team currently in an unfavorable position with their spending money?
Los Angeles is more than $20 million over the cap. Therefore, they will have to do some wheeling and dealing, and it remains to be seen if Carter is a priority when they are in the clear to make moves.
Instead, players like Trey Pipkins, Drue Tranquill, or Morgan Fox may be more essential to the Chargers. If they let Carter walk, they could fill his void with a speed threat in the draft to contribute on offense and special teams.