Not too long ago, we highlighted how the Los Angeles Chargers’ trade with the New England Patriots was shaping up to be an absolute steal.
However, it’s important to note that the situation keeps getting better and better for the Chargers—and worse for the Patriots.
The draft-day deal with the Patriots that allowed the Chargers to move up and select Ladd McConkey in the second round brought general manager Joe Hortiz both the No. 34 and No. 137 picks.
While McConkey has understandably drawn most of the attention, and for good reason, it’s also worth noting how impactful that No. 137 pick has been. Before suffering an injury, McConkey led the Chargers in receiving, catching nine of Justin Herbert’s 16 completions for 117 yards in their win over the Atlanta Falcons. He’s now totaled 815 yards and four touchdowns on the season.
But the No. 137 pick also yielded cornerback Tarheeb Still, who was the star of the Falcons win, intercepting two Kirk Cousins passes—one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Still’s performance was so impressive that the NFL even sent him a random drug test at his locker following the game.
Meanwhile, the Patriots have seen just 12 receptions from Ja'Lynn Polk (No. 37) and three special teams return attempts from Javon Baker (No. 110) over eight games—players they acquired in exchange for the picks involved in the McConkey trade.
Though it's still early, it certainly feels as though the Chargers pulled off a heist, landing two potential franchise cornerstones at key positions with McConkey and Still.