2 Candidates Emerge For Chargers After Latest Trade Rumors

While running back depth is a concern, the Chargers’ focus is clearly on protecting Justin Herbert. Los Angeles ranks 28th in pass block win rate and has allowed 18 sacks, tied for fifth-most in the league. With Rashawn Slater out for the year and Joe Alt sidelined by an ankle sprain, the once-promising offensive front is now dangerously thin.

Two names ESPN recently identified as logical trade fits for the Chargers are Evan Neal of the New York Giants and Braxton Jones of the Chicago Bears.

Chargers Trade Rumors: Evan Neal, OT, New York Giants

Per Jeremy Fowler, trading Neal “feels like an ideal time” for the Giants, who appear comfortable with their starting offensive line. Fowler added that, despite being the No. 7 pick in 2022, Neal has been inactive all season and could be moved even for a late-round swap.

Matt Bowen noted that Neal’s tape has been underwhelming — just an 83% pass block win rate through three seasons and 20 missed games — but his physical profile still intrigues teams willing to take him on as a “reclamation project due to his traits as a top-10 draft pick.”

Chargers Trade Rumors: Braxton Jones, OT, Chicago Bears

The Chargers have also been linked to Braxton Jones, a 25-year-old swing tackle who started multiple seasons for the Bears. Fowler wrote that rival teams “agree Jones is a sensible trade candidate after his benching in favor of Theo Benedet.” Bowen praised Jones’ movement skills, calling him “an easy mover on the edges with the footspeed to redirect in pass protection.”

Both linemen fit the Chargers’ short-term needs and long-term flexibility. For a 4–2 team battling injuries but still in playoff position, adding one could stabilize Herbert’s protection — and define their stretch run.