The Chargers have reached the point where the conversation is no longer about salvaging this season. After Sunday’s 24-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams dropped them to 0-7, the focus has to shift to what comes next, and the November 10 trade deadline gives general manager Joe Hortiz a chance to start reshaping the roster.
Holding onto veterans in hopes of a turnaround no longer makes much sense. This isn’t a team that looks one move away from contention. The Chargers have major issues on both sides of the ball, and the smarter play now is to turn expiring or expendable pieces into future assets.
Khalil Mack stands out as the clearest trade candidate. He’s on a one-year contract, and playoff teams looking for a boost on defense should be interested.
Mack still has plenty to offer, and he deserves a shot at chasing a championship. If the Chargers can get value for him now, they should.
There are other names worth watching, too. Donte Jackson, Denzel Perryman and Dalvin Tomlinson could all attract interest from teams in need of defensive help.
Bud Dupree is another possible option. The logic is simple: if a player may not fit into the long-term plan, the Chargers are better off getting something back than watching him leave without a return.
The offense could also be part of the deadline discussion. Quentin Johnston has been inconsistent, but his age and draft pedigree might make him appealing to a team willing to bet on a fresh start. Running backs Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal could also surface in talks depending on what other clubs are looking for down the stretch.
None of that means the Chargers should strip the roster bare. Justin Herbert is still the franchise quarterback and has to remain central to whatever the next version of this team looks like.
Young players who can help in the future should stay put. The goal is not a teardown for the sake of it.
It’s to move the players whose value is higher to someone else right now than it is to the Chargers over the next several years.
Hortiz has been hesitant to part with players, even with teams reportedly checking in earlier in the season. That stance made more sense when there was still some hope the season could be rescued. After seven straight losses, that window is gone.
Now the Chargers need to stop acting like a turnaround is still out there waiting. The coaching staff, the roster and the direction of the organization all need a hard look. Adding more losses while keeping veterans who could bring back draft picks does nothing to change the bigger picture.
The deadline on November 10 is Hortiz’s last real chance to make meaningful changes before the offseason arrives. The Chargers don’t need a quick fix.
They need more draft capital, younger talent and a stronger foundation. Being sellers isn’t surrendering.
It’s admitting the current path isn’t working and taking the first step toward something better.
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