The Los Angeles Chargers just dropped to a brutal 0-8 on the season after their eighth straight loss, and now their entire trade deadline strategy has flipped. What was initially a firm “no trades” stance from a team that was clearly a seller has reportedly shifted, with the team now open for business.
The Flip-Flop
Initially, leading up to trade deadline day, the Chargers were making it clear they wanted to keep their players. This was true even with interest swirling around guys like Khalil Mack, despite Los Angeles being the most obvious trade deadline seller in the entire league. But according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, those plans are out the window. The Chargers are now open to trading players on expiring deals, which is the first real sign they are actually selling at this year’s deadline. Schultz reports, “Sources: The Chargers have been more receptive to trading players over the last 24 hours,” adding that while Mack is still considered a long shot, other expiring contract players are totally available if the offer makes sense. It means their initial posturing, trying not to make any noteworthy trades by the deadline, is done.
Who’s Available?
So, who are we talking about here? The Chargers are finally looking to deal from their pool of players who are set to hit free agency after the 2026 season wraps up. Keep an eye on names like Dalvin Tomlinson, Donte Jackson, Bud Dupree, Trevor Penning, David Njoku, Denzel Perryman, Troy Dye, Trey Lance, Tuli Tuipolotu, Tony Jefferson, Daiyan Henley, and Derius Davis. There are other guys like Kimani Vidal, Scott Matlock, JK Scott, Kayode Awosika, Deane Leonard, and Caleb Murphy who *could* be on the block, but it sounds like most of those players will probably stay put in Los Angeles. If we are talking about getting a strong return, look at Njoku, Vidal, Jackson, and Tuipolotu. They might bring back the most. Mack would obviously fetch a strong return too, but it seems the Chargers want to hang onto him for what is likely his last season in a Hall of Fame career.
After all that noise about keeping their roster intact despite a brutal 0-8 start, Los Angeles is finally, *finally*, entering the sellers’ market for the 2026 NFL Trade deadline. It is going to be a scramble as teams try to pick up some talent from a team clearly looking to rebuild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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