The Los Angeles Chargers hit the NFL trade deadline on November 10 without making a single move, despite a brutal 0-8 record that has fans wondering what in the heck is going on. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz finally spoke up on Thursday, explaining exactly why his team held onto their roster and revealing the players he considers absolutely off-limits.
No Deals That Blew Them Away, And One That Blew Up
Hortiz wasn’t shy about the fact he’d been working the phones since Week 3, telling reporters that teams were definitely inquiring about players. But here’s the kicker: no one put together a “good package” that “blew us away or that inspired us to continue.” Think about that, an 0-8 team, and no one could offer enough to move the needle. The Bolts are really gonna hit the second half of the season with the same exact roster. And get this: there *was* a deal on the table to send linebacker Daiyan Henley to the Denver Broncos for a 2027 fourth-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick. Sounds like a decent move for a struggling team, right? Nope. The Broncos pulled the plug after a physical revealed an issue with one of Henley’s knees. Man, you can’t make this stuff up.
The “Not Happening” Five
Despite the winless record, Hortiz laid down the law on who wasn’t going anywhere. He straight-up named five players as untouchable: quarterback Justin Herbert, wide receiver Ladd McConkey, left tackle Joe Alt, safety Derwin James Jr., and cornerback Tarheeb Still. Hortiz was crystal clear, saying, “There were some players that you’re just not going to trade. I’m not trading Justin. No one ever called on Justin, but I’m not trading Justin. I’m not trading Ladd. I’m not trading Joe. I’m not trading Derwin. It’s just not happening. Tarheeb Still, these players that have futures with us.” He even noted that most teams didn’t even bother calling about these guys. It’s wild to think an 0-8 team is holding that firm, but it shows where Hortiz sees the future cornerstone talent.
The Season From Hell
This year has just been a disaster for Los Angeles. After winning 11 games and hitting the playoffs the last two seasons under head coach Jim Harbaugh, and bringing in offensive guru Mike McDaniel who’s known for explosive offenses, hopes were sky-high for 2026. Instead, it’s gone sideways, then upside down, then completely off the rails. They’re dead last in scoring, averaging a pathetic 15.1 points per game. Their defense, usually a point of pride, is ranked 28th, giving up a staggering 27.4 points per game. Opponents have absolutely walloped them, outscoring them by a total of 98 points. And five of their eight losses? By 12 points or more. It’s not just losing, it’s getting blown out. There are massive questions swirling about how this team possibly turns it around and regroups for 2027.
The Bolts have to finish out this trainwreck of a season, starting Monday evening when they visit the Baltimore Ravens. It’s gonna be a tough one, but you know those guys are just trying to find *something* to build on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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