Chargers Rumors: Writer Predicts LA Acquires All-Pro Safety for Young WR, a Couple Picks

Could LA upgrade their secondary this offseason?

The Los Angeles Chargers secondary has been a topic of concern heading into the 2023 season. While they have a superstar in Derwin James, who is known for his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways, the rest of the secondary lacks the same level of proven talent. It's evident that the team could benefit from reinforcements in that department, and one way to improve that is by trade. 

The NFL Draft and free agency have dwindled, and heading toward the summertime, trades are more than likely to go down. LA is looking for a fantastic 2023 season, and they've done a lot to bolster their roster, and they might not be done. 

NFL expert for Bleacher Report Kristopher Knox posed potential trades for players who need a fresh start, and the Chargers landed on this list as Knox puts Tennesse Titans star safety Kevin Byard as a Bolt for their young wide receiver. 

Chargers Get: S Kevin Byard
Titans Get: 2024 fifth-round pick, 2024 seventh-round pick, WR Jalen Guyton

After going 7-10 last season and using a second-round pick on quarterback Will Levis, the Tennessee Titans may be headed toward their own rebuild. Safety Kevin Byard may want no part of that, and he isn't interested in taking a pay cut, which Tennessee has requested.

The 29-year-old did not attend voluntary workouts this offseason, according to Nick Suss of The Tennesseean.

Landing with a contender and team willing to honor his contract would be great for the two-time Pro Bowler, who will turn 30 in August. The Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, could use safety help after losing Nasir Adderley to retirement this offseason.

The Chargers have $13.4 million in cap space and wouldn't need to do much work to take on Byard's $13.6 million base salary. Pairing him with Derwin James Jr. would give Los Angeles an incredibly potent safety duo.

Byard has two years left on his contract, but because of his age, his trade value should fall more in line with Gardner-Johnson's last year than with what Baker might command. The Chargers could toss in wideout Jalen Guyton—who had 448 receiving yards in 2021 but suffered a torn ACL last year—to help entice the receiver-needy Titans.

After using a first-round pick on Quentin Johnston, L.A. has a surplus of receivers.

Byard is widely regarded as one of the best safeties in the game, and his skills would undoubtedly bolster the Los Angeles secondary. The tandem of Derwin James and Kevin Byard on the secondary would be insane. They are two of the best safeties in the game and would be a quarterback and wide receiver nightmare. 

The Titans themselves are facing a complex situation. They appear to be in a state of flux, wanting to compete while also recognizing the need to rebuild. It would be a shame for Byard to languish on a team that may not fully capitalize on his abilities. A trade to a team like Los Angeles, with championship aspirations and a need for an elite safety, would provide the two-time All-Pro with the opportunity he deserves.

This is all hypothetical, but man, what an addition he would be to LA.