The Los Angeles Chargers recently rejected trade requests from the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings for star quarterback Justin Herbert, as reported by ESPN on Thursday. Despite rumors of potential interest in trading Herbert, the Chargers’ general manager, Joe Hortiz, made it clear that trading him was never an option for the team.
Despite the failed trade requests, the Chargers went on to select Joe Alt, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame and an All-American, with the No. 5 pick in the draft. They also had picks No. 37 and 69 on Day 2 of the draft. On Day 1 of the draft, both the Patriots (who drafted Drake Maye from North Carolina) and Vikings (who drafted J.J. McCarthy from Michigan) chose quarterbacks, indicating a potential need at that position.
One possible reason teams may have thought the Chargers would consider trading Herbert is due to new head coach Jim Harbaugh’s connection with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who played for him at Michigan. However, Hortiz clarified that Herbert is not up for trade.
Herbert recently signed a five-year, $262.5 million extension that will start in the 2025 NFL season. Despite missing out on his final games of the 2023 season due to a finger injury, he has been a standout performer in his time with the Chargers.
Over his four-year NFL career, Herbert has consistently put up impressive passing stats while earning Pro Bowl recognition and being named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020.
In conclusion, despite rumors of interest from other teams in trading him, it seems that Justin Herbert will remain with Los Angeles as their starting quarterback moving forward into his next contract period.
