New Justin Herbert Trade Rumors Reveal Chargers' Stance on QB Ahead of 2026 NFL Deadline

The idea of trading Justin Herbert is reportedly a "non-starter" for the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported he talked with a "high-level league executive" who said it would be "really interesting" if Los Angeles decided to trade Herbert for three first-round picks following its 0-5 start to the season.

Schefter took that idea to someone with the Chargers just to hear their thoughts and reported, "the person basically cut me off mid-sentence, stopped me in my tracks, and said, 'let me be very clear about this. We have never even discussed that idea. The sentence should we trade Justin Herbert has never once been uttered in our organization, nor will it be.'"

While the stance couldn't have been clearer, it's not difficult to see why the executive thought there was some merit to exploring a trade.

After all, Los Angeles has not won a single playoff game since selecting Herbert with the No. 6 overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft. There is no doubting his talent when he is playing at his best, but the evidence suggests the team is far away from being in a position to accomplish its goals even with him under center.

Trading Herbert for three first-round picks and adding those to their own draft capital would give the Chargers plenty of assets to accelerate a rebuild that is much-needed based on the start of the 2026 campaign.

The offensive line has been a problem, the defense is 22nd in the league in points allowed per game and no wide receiver has more than one touchdown catch through five games.

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Los Angeles has a number of holes to fill throughout its roster, and the best way to do that for the long-term future is by finding success in multiple drafts spread out over different years. And having additional and valuable picks would increase the front office's chances at landing elite talent in those drafts.

Trading Herbert, Khalil Mack or other veterans could help the AFC West team stockpile a number of picks as it accepts the need to rebuild after such a disappointing start to the 2026 campaign.

However, it seems like the Chargers have no interest in trading Herbert as their franchise quarterback even as the losses pile up this season.