Ladd McConkey rookie contract figures with Los Angeles Chargers revealed after NFL Draft
In what’s sure to be a second round filled with wide receiver talent, the Los Angeles Chargers made their move. They traded up with the New England Patriots to select Ladd McConkey out of Georgia, and his contract figures have been revealed.
McConkey is set to sign a four-year contract worth $9.9 million, according to Spotrac. It also includes a $4 million signing bonus.
McConkey is sure to make an impact with the Chargers, who were in need of wide receiver help after trading Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears earlier this offseason. He was a key contributor at Georgia as part of the national championship team two seasons ago.
McConkey didn’t have huge numbers in 2023 due to injuries. But when he was healthy, he was impactful, catching 30 passes for 478 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 38 rushing yards and one touchdown on two carries.
McConkey had his best season in 2022, catching 58 passes for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. He also had 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns on seven attempts. His production during the 2022 season led to him being selected to the All-SEC Second Team.
One of McConkey’s best games was the national title game that year. In the 65-7 victory against TCU, McConkey caught five passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns.
McConkey played high school football at North Murray High School in Chatsworth, Georgia where he was a three-star prospect. He ranked as the No. 1,146 overall prospect and the No. 188 wide receiver in the 2020 class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Ladd McConkey
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein shared his thoughts on McConkey’s game and compared him to Cleveland Browns Elijah Moore. McConkey’s route-running ability is a strength, but Zierlein mentioned his injury history as a potential issue heading to the next level.
“If pass rushers have rush plans, McConkey has route plans that allow him to uncover on all three levels,” Zierlein wrote. “His pace and rhythm make cornerbacks more reactive than proactive. He has the footwork and body control to snap off crisp breaks and open windows for his quarterback.
“He can manipulate coverage with an advanced feel for leverage and has enough top-end speed to get past cornerbacks who are non-believers. He might not be sudden enough to beat press and will need to prove he has enough play strength to finish contested catches against tight man. McConkey’s 2023 injuries might have slowed the draft conversation about him, but his route polish, athleticism and ability to uncover over the first two levels could make him a productive slot receiver as a Day 2 pickup.”