The offseason is the time for intel, predictions, and largely, hopes. The Los Angeles Chargers will have plenty of work to do to improve their roster, and you know Jim Harbaugh will be open to big moves. 

In a recent article from Jeremy Fowler, Los Angeles makes a major trade to help out quarterback Justin Herbert. The predicted deals or storylines from the piece were via NFL team executives, scouts and personnel figures.

Predicted DK Metcalf, Chargers trade

In this potential trade, the Chargers grab an outside target with massive upside in an offense led by Herbert. 

Metcalf is still in his prime at age 27 and is a challenge for opposing defensive coordinators. But Jaxon Smith-Njigba received more targets than Metcalf among Seattle receivers this season — 8.1 to 7.2 targets per game — and Metcalf, a projected 2026 free agent, likely needs a new contract, which won't be cheap.

"The Seahawks can still get good value for him, and he could pair with Ladd McConkey for a good inside-out tandem," an NFL coordinator said of a move to the Chargers. "[Justin] Herbert to Metcalf would be scary. I think [Los Angeles] will be looking to help the quarterback in a big way."

— Jeremy Fowler

Why Metcalf?

Metcalf is still one of the most physically gifted receivers in football. He has struggled at times with consistent production in Seattle, but part of that has come with inconsistent QB and offensive line play in recent years. 

With the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks could look to move on from D.K., who will need a new contract sooner than later. Keep in mind that Seattle has Tyler Lockett under contract for next year still, too.

As for Los Angeles, Ladd McConkey had arguably the best rookie season for a Chargers WR, ever. Legitimately. That being said, they'd love to move him around inside and outside. 

The fit is why a deal like this makes the most sense. 

Not many players in the league have a body type like Metcalf. Well, not many humans do. With his incredible size and speed, he could possibly put up career numbers with a gunslinger-type like Herbert in powder blue. 

Adding a target like Metcalf would give them more opportunities to do that. The box score from LA's playoff loss to the Houston Texans shone a light on the lack of receiving options outside of McConkey. 

D.J. Chark is basically a zero at this point of his career. Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly are average NFL tight ends, with limited downfield ability. The Quentin Johnston experiment has mostly been a headache for the Chargers, even if they still believe in his development going forward.

No matter what – this sort of trade for the Chargers makes a ton of sense and would absolutely put a smile on Justin Herbert's face.

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A great addition for Justin Herbert.