New NFL Trade Rumors on Khalil Mack, Quentin Johnston, 'Inquiries' for Chargers' Vet Players

The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly aren't yet willing to sell off veteran players despite getting off to an 0-6 start this season.

According to SI.com's Albert Breer, the Chargers have "shut down trade inquiries" thus far, as general manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh aren't yet looking to "wave any sort of white flag."

Pass-rusher Khalil Mack and wide receiver Quentin Johnston are two players Breer mentioned as having "questions" around them regarding their availability, but the Chargers reportedly aren't ready to start a fire sale yet.

L.A. is the last winless team remaining in the NFL this season, and unless the Chargers essentially run the table, it seems unlikely that the playoffs are in their immediate future.

The Bolts' schedule only appears to be getting tougher as well with a game against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend, followed by the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens the two weeks after that.

When the Chargers host the Texans on Nov. 8, the game will be played two days before the NFL trade deadline, and if Los Angeles loses one or even both of its next two games, perhaps the organization's stance will change.

It would be especially logical for the Chargers to move on from players set to hit free agency during the offseason, especially if they don't have designs on signing them to a new deal.

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Mack, 35, signed a one-year deal to return to the Chargers this past offseason, and since he is nearing the end of his illustrious career, one would think he would like the chance to contend for a Super Bowl this season and perhaps even next season.

With three sacks through six games this season, Mack could provide a boost to a contender, and the Chargers would not only be doing him a favor by trading him, but they would be getting an asset back for a player they could lose for nothing in a few months anyway.

Trading a player like Johnston is less cut and dry since he is significantly younger than Mack and is signed through next season.

Originally selected 21st overall in the 2023 NFL draft by the Chargers, the 25-year-old Johnston has failed to live up to expectations.

He showed flashes last season and set a career high with 735 receiving yards, while also matching a career high with eight touchdowns, but he hasn't come close to that level this season.

Through five games, Johnston has registered just eight catches for 165 yards and no touchdowns.

Perhaps the Chargers would be willing to move Johnston if a team wants to take on his $16.4 million salary cap hit for next season, but it is fair to wonder if any team would want to do that given Johnston's lack of production this season.