Los Angeles Chargers free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 12: Hunter Henry #86 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after a three-yard touchdownagainst the New Orleans Saints during their NFL game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on October 12, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 13: Danny Amendola #80 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on December 13, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

3. Danny Amendola

The Chargers are blessed with real weapons on the outside with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. What their offense lacks is a guy they can rely on in the slot. That was OK in 2020 when the team shied away from three wide receiver sets. Look for new coach Brandon Staley to deploy more of those formations in 2021 and beyond.

That makes Amendola an ideal short-term solution for the Chargers. He lacks the speed to give them a big-play threat on the inside, but he’s an excellent route-runner with great hands. It’s easy to envision a scenario where he quickly becomes one of Herbert’s most reliable targets on third downs.

Amendola’s advancing age likely means he can be had on a bargain deal this offseason. The Chargers aren’t going to break the bank for a guy who doesn’t perfectly fit their timeline for contention, but he can be a valuable bridge for the team to utilize until they can acquire a long-term solution at slot receiver.

Landing Amendola on a one-year deal at anything under $5 million feels like a real win for Los Angeles. He has the chops to be a sneaky add for the Chargers in 2021.

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