Chargers GM Talks NFL Trade Deadline, Reveals Untouchable Players Despite 0-8 Record

The Los Angeles Chargers didn't finalize any trades prior to this year's deadline on Nov. 10 despite losing their first eight games.

On Thursday, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz spoke with reporters for the first time post-deadline, explaining why the team didn't make moves and noting players who were untouchable.

"I've been on the phone since Week 3 talking to teams," Hortiz told reporters, per ESPN's Lindsey Thiry. "They've inquired about players' availabilities. I've said, 'Hey, this player, no, we're not trading.' Would we consider something? Yes, but it would have to be a good package for us to move them. No one put together any packages that blew us away or that inspired us to continue."

The Chargers had a deal in place to send linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Denver Broncos for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. However, per ESPN's Jeff Legwold, the Broncos called the deal off after discovering an issue with one of Henley's knees during the physical.

Hence, the Bolts will hit the second half of the season with the same roster. Hortiz made it very clear the Chargers weren't trading some players, though, naming five in particular: quarterback Justin Herbert, wide receiver Ladd McConkey, left tackle Joe Alt, safety Derwin James Jr. and cornerback Tarheeb Still.

"There were some players that you're just not going to trade," Hortiz said. "I'm not trading Justin [Herbert], right? No one ever called on Justin, but I'm not trading Justin. I'm not trading Ladd [McConkey]. I'm not trading Joe [Alt]. I'm not trading Derwin [James Jr.]. It's just not happening. Tarheeb Still, these players that have futures with us. And a lot of those guys, people didn't call on them."

The Chargers won 11 games and made the playoffs each of the last two seasons under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Hopes were high for 2026, especially after L.A. brought in former Miami Dolphins head coach and San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, who had a heavy hand in some successful and explosive offenses at previous stops.

However, this season has gone as poorly as possible. Not only are the Chargers last in scoring (15.1 PPG), but their defense has taken a big hit, with the team allowing 27.4 PPG (28th in the NFL). Opponents have outscored Los Angeles by 98 points, and five of their eight losses have been by 12 or more points.

There are certainly many questions about how Los Angeles can possibly regroup and fare better in 2027. In the meantime, though, the Chargers must finish out 2026, beginning Monday evening when they visit the Baltimore Ravens.