Chargers reportedly 'unwilling to wave any sort of white flag' ahead of trade deadline

The fact that the Los Angeles Chargers started the 2026 season at 0-6 ahead of their Week 7 bye understandably led some to assume that veteran Chargers players such as pass-rusher Khalil Mack and wide receiver Quentin Johnston could become available to advertised contenders ahead of the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline. 

However, the Chargers did not embrace a sell-off while preparing to serve as the road team against the 3-4 Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium this coming Sunday. For a piece published on Friday, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared why the Chargers didn't hit a figurative reset button during their bye.

Chargers have thus far "shut down trade inquiries"

"The Chargers have shut down trade inquiries for their veterans, even as the team sits at 0–6," Breer explained. "So while there are questions about guys like Khalil Mack and Quentin Johnston, for now, GM Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh appear unwilling to wave any sort of white flag."

Breer's update could lead one to believe that Hortiz and Harbaugh have questions about their futures. Shortly after the Chargers fell to 0-4, a report mentioned that somebody in power was going to end "up in trouble" if things didn't get straightened out. It was later said that "a bottom-of-the-league finish would force the Chargers to do some soul-searching, in part because the Chargers don't bring in as much revenue for their home games as other teams do, because they don't own their home stadium." 

When could Chargers put the white flag up? 

Breer also suggested that the Chargers could embrace a fire sale if they lose to the Rams. As of Friday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Chargers as 6.5-point underdogs against the Rams. 

As it pertains to potential trades, the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Detroit Lions are among teams in need of defensive help that could potentially be interested in a player such as Mack. The 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders have been named as clubs that could acquire a wide receiver before Nov. 10.