Los Angeles Chargers news: The NFL’s implementation of its new kickoff rule is going to make a significant impact on certain areas of the game. However, it’s return specialists who are expected to have the biggest gain from this rule change due to the fact that this significantly increases their value for teams.
This is exactly why a guy like Jamal Agnew, who is currently a free agent, could be a hot commodity in the offseason. Two teams that have already been linked to the All-Pro wide receiver are the Chargers and the Dallas Cowboys, who could potentially end up going toe-to-toe for the services of Agnew.
Los Angeles Chargers Urged to Sign Jamal Agnew
According to Logan Ulrich of Yardbarker, the Chargers are the most logical landing spot for Agnew, who spent the previous campaign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Being the San Diego native that he is, a move to the Chargers would be a homecoming for Agnew, who also suited up for the University of San Diego during his college years. His connection with former San Diego head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is now the head honcho for the Chargers, is also worth noting.
“As far as Agnew’s fit on the roster, the Chargers already have a strong starting returner in 2023 fourth-round WR Derius Davis. He was drafted primarily for his return chops and backed it up as a rookie. Davis led the NFL in punt return average with 16 yards per clip and took 24 returns back for 385 yards and a touchdown. However, the new kickoff will likely prompt teams to field two returners in order to ensure the ball is corraled, as there’s likely to be less hang time. There aren’t many other obvious returner candidates on the Chargers’ roster outside of Davis.
“Adding Agnew would give the Chargers two capable returners and also another player who could fortify the back end of their receiver depth chart. Combined with the hometown and coaching staff connections, it almost makes too much sense,” Ulrich wrote.
The Chargers, however, might not be alone in their potential pursuit of Agnew.
Dallas Cowboys Also Linked to Jamal Agnew
Another team that has also been urged to consider adding Agnew to their roster is the Cowboys. Ulrich argues that Agnew would be a great fit alongside the returning KaBontae Turpin:
“However, if the Cowboys want to add a second returner to make teams pay for kicking away from Turpin, Agnew is someone to pay attention to. He’s a quality return specialist in his own right and there are some connections on the Cowboys’ coaching staff. Cowboys OC Brian Schottenheimer was the passing game coordinator in 2021 in Jacksonville and WR coach Robert Prince held the same role in Detroit for all four years Agnew was there,” Ulrich surmised.
This actually makes a lot of sense as it wouldn’t hurt for Dallas to sign a player like Agnew.
It sounds like Agnew is going to be a wanted man in the coming weeks/months.