Chargers’ NFL Trade Rumors Reveal Stance on Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey Offers Amid 0-8 Threat
Chargers reject calls for stars
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport reported that rival general managers have contacted the Chargers about Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey and other players. The team has turned down those calls, according to their report.
The report said the Chargers dislike the message that trading players would signal they have given up on the season. The team has publicly maintained it will not be a seller before the deadline.
Mack also viewed as central
The reporting also said the Chargers have rejected trade inquiries about Khalil Mack. The veteran pass-rusher is described as a “pillar of the organization” in the report by Schefter and Rapoport.
Other teams are expected to ask about prominent players, even as the Chargers struggle. The team’s reported responses indicate it does not plan to move its leading names.
Reasons to keep Herbert, McConkey
Herbert has a no-trade clause, and moving him would leave a staggering amount of dead money from his $262.5 million contract extension. McConkey has dealt with injuries but is described in the article as a possible long-term asset in the passing game.
The article says both players are expected to remain foundational pieces, unless they seek trades or something dramatic happens. It does not identify any such request from either player.
Season questions remain
The Chargers could fall to 0-8 before the trade deadline, while the only major change mentioned so far is news involving Mike McDaniel. The article says what the team will do with Harbaugh and McDaniel next offseason remains uncertain.
It also argues that the Chargers’ record and lack of change matter more than the message conveyed through their trade-deadline decisions. The team’s reported refusal to trade its stars does not resolve questions about its struggling season.
Key points
- The Chargers have reportedly rejected calls about Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey.
- The team has also turned down inquiries about Khalil Mack.
- Herbert’s contract includes a no-trade clause and carries substantial dead money if moved.
- The Chargers could reach 0-8 before the NFL trade deadline.