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Report shares Chargers have no plans to trade QB Justin Herbert; here's why they should reconsider

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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Report shares Chargers have no plans to trade QB Justin Herbert; here's why they should reconsider

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Oct 13, 2026 7:31 PM ET

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The Los Angeles Chargers love quarterback Justin Herbert, so they should let him go.

The Chargers season looks lost after a 0-5 start, and they'll probably keep sinking. Tankathon ranks their remaining schedule as the fourth-most-difficult in the NFL. In Week 6, they face the 4-0 Kansas City Chiefs on the road (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET).

Herbert has struggled this season, posting a career-low 26.6 QBR through five starts, but he remains one of the team's more intriguing trade chips before the deadline on Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET. On Tuesday, ESPN insider Adam Schefter shared a league executive mentioned it would be wise for the Chargers to trade Herbert for three first-round picks and rebuild. Schefter then contacted the Chargers, but they told him, "We've never discussed [trading Herbert]."

But shouldn't the franchise be open to the idea?

Why Chargers should explore Justin Herbert trade

Herbert — under contract with the Chargers through 2029 (barring a potential out) — would need to waive his full no-trade clause to go elsewhere. The QB hasn't indicated he plans to. But after spending seven seasons with an underachieving franchise, he should realize it may be time for a change.

While other have debated whether Justin Herbert should be traded, the Chargers have not.

Cc: @tyschmit

https://t.co/9tlm7cvFNz pic.twitter.com/Yuk4jNSKhK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2026

Aside from this season, Herbert has been one of the league's top passers during his time with the Chargers. Since entering the league in 2020, he has thrown for the fourth-most passing yards (25,757) and tied for the sixth-most passing touchdowns (168). And yet, L.A. has won no AFC West titles and zero playoff games during this span.

The lack of team success ties to coaching instability. Herbert has played for three head coaches, including Jim Harbaugh. The roster has been a problem, too. The Chargers regularly lack the pieces needed to compete for a Lombardi Trophy, namely the offensive line. Entering Week 6, the QB has taken 17 sacks (No. 2 in the NFL).

Herbert may insist he loves the Chargers and beach-laden Southern California. But at some point he wants to play for a team that can win something. L.A. isn't that.

With that in mind, the QB should consider asking for a trade. Plenty of contenders would be interested in Herbert, perhaps the Minnesota Vikings. The NFC North squad has been linked to him throughout the season.

Yes, Minnesota is 5-0, but starting QB Kyler Murray, who ranks 27th in QBR (40.4), isn't the answer. And wouldn't Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell salivate at the opportunity to coach Herbert?

Whether the Chargers send Herbert to Minnesota or elsewhere, they could fare well in a deal involving the QB, especially if they land first-round picks. The Seattle Seahawks used two first-round picks in the infamous Russell Wilson deal to lay the foundation for their Super Bowl LX run.

The Chargers would take a $50.46M 2027 dead cap hit if they trade Herbert, but that's easier to overcome if they land a rookie QB. Luckily for L.A., plenty of QB options should be available in the 2027 NFL Draft, including Drew Mestemaker (Oklahoma State Cowboys) and Darian Mensah (Miami Hurricanes).

The Chargers may insist Herbert is untradable, but they should reconsider. With the team heading nowhere and the 28-year-old QB wasting his prime, it's time to split.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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