Speculation has surfaced regarding a potential Justin Herbert trade as the Los Angeles Chargers find themselves floundering to begin the 2026 NFL season.
Of course, the Chargers immediately put that speculation to rest. But are they necessary?
This is Herbert’s 7th year in Los Angeles. He still doesn’t have a playoff win. Based on talent and skill alone, the 28-year-old midfielder should be considered one of the best of this generation. But his lack of postseason success with the Chargers coupled with a winless start to 2026 raises fair questions about his future.
The Chargers shouldn’t resist a potential Herbert trade this offseason.
to breathe
They have a lot of gaps in this list. The Chargers are not a very good football team.
Check out the last two NFL drafts. Almost any quarterback was selected in the 1st round. This offseason, demand may finally outstrip supply. If a team called with three first-round picks and a willingness to absorb Herbet’s contract, wouldn’t the trade make sense?
In 2025, Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart were the only first-round quarterbacks selected. If the Tennessee Titans continue to struggle, they could decide to move on from Ward after just two seasons. 2026 Fernando Mendoza was the only first-round pick to play this season as the Los Angeles Rams selected Ty Simpson as Matthew Stafford’s successor.
This offseason, there are at least five open teams that will be looking for a quarterback.
Imagine Herbert on the Atlanta Falcons with Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts? Kevin Stefanski has already lost three draft picks once.
Or how about New York with Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall and an improved defense? The Jets have three first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. While it would be difficult to trade Herbert in the AFC, the Chargers stealing all of New York’s picks would give them four solid first-round picks — plenty of weapons to trade for any quarterback they want and grab some impact skill position or defensive players.
When the Houston Texans traded Deshaun Watson, he was the spark that helped them build one of the best defenses of this era.
The Chargers are not a good team right now. While Jim Harbaugh and new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel bring high expectations, it doesn’t show much sign of work.
Don’t turn your nose up at the Herbert trade, Los Angeles. You never know when the time might be.