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AFC Star DL Named Among Chargers ‘Reasonable’ Targets Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 12:02 PM ET

The NFL trade deadline is fast approaching, and for the Los Angeles Chargers, standing pat might not be an option. Despite a strong 5-3 start, injuries have exposed thin depth across key positions — particularly along the defensive line.

As Daniel Popper of The Athletic reported, general manager Joe Hortiz “will undoubtedly gauge the market to supplement his roster,” noting that Hortiz has been aggressive in finding short-term fixes since joining the organization. That included the recent deal for edge rusher Odafe Oweh, who’s already produced two sacks in three games since arriving from Baltimore.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh captured the team’s approach succinctly last week: “Joe is always looking.”

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A Sensible Target: Browns Veteran Shelby Harris

AFC Star DL Named Among Chargers 'Reasonable' Targets Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline 1 Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Is Jim Harbaugh The Real Life Ted Lasso?

One potential solution, according to Popper, could come from Cleveland. The Chargers could offer a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Browns in exchange for defensive lineman Shelby Harris and a 2026 seventh-rounder.

Harris, 34, has been a steady presence for the Browns and remains one of the league’s most efficient run defenders and field-goal blockers. With Da’Shawn Hand and Otito Ogbonnia both on injured reserve, Harris would immediately bolster a rotation that ranks 27th in defensive rushing success rate, per RBSDM.

As A to Z Sports Cleveland’s Brandon Little wrote, “Harris is in his 11th NFL season and remains a very effective rotational player… a team in need of a reliable, plug-and-play interior lineman who won’t cost much could come calling.”

For Cleveland, moving Harris makes sense as younger players return to health — but for Los Angeles, his experience could stabilize a key weakness.

Low-Risk, High-Impact Addition

At a minimal trade cost and manageable salary, Harris would fit within the Chargers’ tight cap structure without any major contract reshuffling. His addition wouldn’t grab national headlines, but it could quietly reshape a defensive front that’s struggled to control the line of scrimmage in recent weeks.

In a loaded AFC West, where every inch matters, that kind of midseason move might be exactly what keeps the Chargers’ playoff hopes intact.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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