Justin Herbert proved versus the Vikings what Chargers fans knew all along

Ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, some wild takes were being thrown around that the Los Angeles Chargers might be willing to entertain the thought of trading quarterback Justin Herbert, thus paving the way to replace him by selecting J.J. McCarthy with the No. 5 overall pick. The connection to McCarthy at least made a little sense, as the Bolts had hired Jim Harbaugh, who won a national championship with McCarthy at Michigan and had no problem praising the 2023 Big Ten Quarterback of the Year in the months, days, and weeks leading into the draft. Trading Herbert was never going to happen, and obviously never did, but that didn't stop a couple of teams from trying, as Adam Schefter reported on draft night that both the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots made calls to the Chargers, only to have their respective requests rejected. The Bolts ultimately took Joe Alt at No. 5 overall, while McCarthy went to the Vikes at No. 10. The Pats, of course, took Drake Maye at No. 3, and that's working out well for them.