Inglewood, CA — With the 2024-2025 NFL season underway, the Los Angeles Chargers are actively shopping three players who could provide valuable depth and potential starting talent for teams across the league. Wide receivers Josh Palmer and Derius Davis, as well as right guard Trey Pipkins III, have all been placed on the trade block as the Chargers look to reshape their roster with an eye toward the future. Each player is on the market for different reasons, but all represent intriguing opportunities for teams in need of their specific skill sets.
Josh Palmer: The Odd Man Out
Josh Palmer, at just 24 years old, entered training camp as a potential WR1 candidate for the Chargers following a productive 2023 season. However, circumstances have quickly changed for the young wideout. With the emergence of rookie receiver Ladd McConkey and sophomore Quentin Johnston, along with the veteran addition of DJ Chark Jr., Palmer now finds himself in an unexpected position—on the trading block.
The Chargers are looking to maximize the development of their young receiving talent, which has left Palmer in a precarious situation. Despite his proven ability, Palmer has yet to play an offensive snap this season, a surprising turn of events for a player who was initially favored to take a leading role. His lack of playing time has fueled rumors of a falling out between the team and the receiver, who is now firmly outside of the Chargers’ top-three wide receiver rotation, even in their week 1 game that had Chark out with injury.
Palmer, who is on the final year of his rookie contract, could provide an immediate boost to a team in need of a reliable pass-catcher. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset, but with his impending free agency, the Chargers are reportedly seeking a modest return of a fifth-round draft pick. For teams in need of a young receiver who has demonstrated both potential and production, Palmer could be a bargain at that price.
“We’re confident in the group we have and the direction we’re heading in,” said Chargers head coach Jay Cee. “Josh is a talented player, but we have to make tough decisions. It’s about getting the right mix on the field and preparing for the future.” It’ll be interesting to see how the Chargers handle a case like Palmer as it can set a precedent for front office and player relations. Will Palmer get back on the field or will he have to wait to be somewhere else?
Derius Davis: Give The Guy A Chance
Unlike Palmer, Derius Davis is on the trade block for an entirely different reason. The Chargers are not looking to move on from the 23-year-old receiver and return specialist due to a lack of fit or performance concerns. Instead, they believe Davis deserves a better opportunity to grow and develop than what they can currently provide.
The Chargers’ wide receiver room is crowded, with four players in their rookie or second year—McConkey, Johnston, Davis himself, and Brenden Rice, the son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Additionally, veteran speedster DJ Chark is on a one-year deal to add depth, versatility, and experience to the position. As a result, Davis has seen limited offensive snaps and has yet to break out in the return game, which was expected to be his primary contribution.
Davis’s speed and explosiveness are well-known, and his youth combined with three years remaining on his rookie contract make him an attractive target for teams seeking a dynamic playmaker. The Chargers believe in Davis’s potential but acknowledge that their current situation is not the ideal environment for his development. As a result, they are seeking a fourth-round pick in exchange for the promising young talent.
“Derius is an exciting player,” said Chargers General Manager Phillip Rivers. “We think he can be really special, but right now, it’s a numbers game for us. We want to see him succeed, and if another team can offer him more opportunity, that’s something we’re open to.” The Chargers opposing views on their tradable receivers shows they are a competitive organization, but they also want the best for every player that comes through their building.
Trey Pipkins III: Making Room For The Future
The Chargers’ decision to shop right guard Trey Pipkins III is perhaps the most surprising of the three names on the trade block. Pipkins, 27, has been a solid presence on the offensive line, helping protect superstar quarterback Justin Herbert. However, the Chargers are looking to the future, particularly to 24-year-old Jamaree Salyer, who has impressed the coaching staff and front office with a standout training camp and preseason.
Pipkins, currently a starter, has two years remaining on his contract, providing stability and experience to any team in need of offensive line help. While his departure would create an immediate hole on the Chargers’ line, the team appears confident that Salyer is ready to step up. Should Pipkins remain on the roster, there is still a good chance that Salyer could usurp him for the starting job as the season progresses or move to C to get on the field.
Given Pipkins’ solid track record and the importance of offensive line depth, the Chargers’ asking price—a fifth-round pick—could be considered a bargain. Teams with offensive line needs, particularly those looking for a player who can step in immediately and provide quality play, may view Pipkins as a valuable midseason addition.
“Trey has been a great player for us, but we’re excited about what we’ve seen from Jamaree,” Jay Cee said. “We’re always looking at how we can improve and develop as a team. If there’s a move that makes sense for everyone, we’ll consider it everytime.”
Balancing The Present And The Future
The Chargers’ decision to place these three players on the trade block reflects a clear strategy: balance immediate competitiveness with the long-term development of a young, dynamic roster. While all three players—Palmer, Davis, and Pipkins—have shown value in their own right, the Chargers appear to be leaning toward a youth movement centered around future draft picks and emerging talent, whether it be home-grown or not.
For other teams around the league, the Chargers’ trade block presents an opportunity to acquire proven, young players at relatively affordable prices. Palmer offers reliability and experience in a contract year, Davis brings untapped explosiveness with room to grow, and Pipkins provides stability and starting-caliber talent on the offensive line. All three could be key contributors to a team willing to invest a mid-round pick.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see which teams come calling and how the Chargers’ front office navigates these potential moves. For now, Los Angeles is in a strong position to leverage its depth and continue building a roster that can compete both now and in the years to come.
“We’re always looking to improve, whether it’s through development or strategic moves,” Rivers said. “We like where we are as a team, and we’re excited about the future.” Rivers was hired and then brought in Jay Cee this offseason to coach.
With the trade market heating up and teams assessing their needs, the Chargers’ willingness to make moves signals a commitment to both short-term success and long-term growth. Fans should stay tuned as the storylines continue to unfold in what could be a pivotal early season for Los Angeles.
