The Los Angeles Chargers, the NFL’s *only* winless team stuck at a brutal 0-7, are reportedly holding absolutely firm at the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Forget any big moves to shake things up, because despite a deeply disappointing start that has them at the bottom of the barrel, this front office apparently has zero interest in moving what anyone would consider their top trade candidates. ESPN reported that it’s a stone-cold “hard no” on any questions about quarterback Justin Herbert, wide receiver Ladd McConkey, or edge rusher Khalil Mack.
The Mack Attack Stays Put (And the Coach Weighs In)
Honestly, if there was *any* move you’d expect, it would be Khalil Mack. The guy is on an expiring contract, he’s 35 years old, and he’s still playing disruptive football from the edge rusher spot. That’s a position teams are always desperate for. You’d think a mid-round draft pick for a future Hall of Famer would be a reasonable return for a team that’s 0-7 and going nowhere fast. But nope. The Chargers repeatedly slammed the door on any outside interest in one of their most valuable defensive assets. Coach Jim Harbaugh himself made it crystal clear this week, stating, “I want Khalil Mack here. Khalil Mack wants to be here. He’s one of the pillars of our team.” So, no change there.
Herbert and McConkey: Stuck in Neutral?
Now, keeping Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey is a bit less surprising on paper. These guys *could* be building blocks for whatever kind of rebuild this franchise eventually has to undertake. Herbert’s under team control through 2029, and McConkey’s rookie deal runs through the end of next season. When the offense *isn’t* a total disaster, they’re absolute standouts.
But here’s the kicker: the offense *is* a total disaster this season. Herbert has thrown 10 interceptions over the first eight weeks, which is more than any other quarterback in the entire NFL. His 69.3 passer rating is barely above Daniel Jones, making it the second-worst among qualifying signal-callers. And McConkey? He’s having his least productive season as a pro with just 17 catches across six games. Moving either of these guys right now would mean selling low because the offense’s overall woes have totally overshadowed them. And that, apparently, is a non-starter for the Bolts.
The 0-7 Truth and the Strategy No One Saw Coming
The Chargers’ front office reportedly isn’t interested in sending a “message of giving up on this season.” But let’s be real, at 0-7, with most of their losses coming by more than one possession, the hole they’ve dug themselves into over the first two months is deeper than anyone else’s in the league. There is very, very little to play for the rest of the way.
By holding onto their most valuable tools, the Chargers are actively declining to cash in on potential draft picks they could snag in return. For a team that’s clearly not equipped to contend in the near future, rebuilding through the draft would seem like the most logical step forward. Instead, they’re just… sticking to the status quo. It’s a head-scratcher. What happens next with this team remains completely up in the air, especially after the Nov. 10 trade deadline passes with seemingly no action.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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