The Chargers’ 0-6 start has put them in a spot where the trade deadline should, in theory, be an easy sell-off window. A team stuck at the bottom of the league, one of the NFL’s worst offenses and a roster short on answers usually invites speculation about who gets moved and who stays.
But Los Angeles does not sound eager to tear anything down.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero said the Chargers have shown little interest in moving players so far, even with the deadline approaching. In a mailbag response about a possible Ladd McConkey trade, Pelissero made it clear that a deal involving the rookie receiver - or really any move - looks unlikely right now.
"Joe, the Chargers haven't shown much interest in trading anyone to this point. At 0-6 coming out of the bye, they still believe they have a chance to turn things around and play meaningful football late in the season," Pelissero wrote.
"But even if they do go into sell mode, I'd be shocked if Ladd McConkey is on the move. He's still only 24 years old, in the third year of his rookie contract, and arguably the most important piece of the Chargers offense besides quarterback Justin Herbert."
That stance lines up with the team’s belief that a turnaround is still possible, which would keep them from becoming sellers before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
And McConkey’s status appears especially secure. The 24-year-old has quickly become the Chargers’ top target, even if the production across the passing game has been underwhelming overall. In five games, McConkey has 13 catches for 200 yards and one touchdown, while averaging 15.4 yards per reception.
For now, the expectation is that McConkey stays put and finishes the season in Los Angeles.
The bigger question is whether the Chargers can give themselves a reason not to reconsider everything. That starts Sunday against the Rams. Another loss would only intensify the pressure and force harder discussions about the future of key players.
In Other News...
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What had looked like a short-term issue now carries a much longer timeline, and that matters for a defense that leans on James versatility and presence. The Chargers are preparing for upcoming games without much clarity on when hell return, and the possibility of a move to injured reserve only adds to the uncertainty around how long they may have to make do without one of their most important defenders. [Read more 🡒]
Quentin Johnstons Chargers Future Suddenly Feels Far Less Certain
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For a Chargers team still sorting out its long-term direction after a difficult start, Johnston now feels like one of the more intriguing pieces on the board. The idea of a move is not hard to imagine, either, with several teams around the league paying attention to the situation and the Chargers left to weigh whether his upside is worth holding onto or whether a change of scenery might make more sense. [Read more 🡒]
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One name that surfaced comes from ESPNs Jeremy Fowler, who pointed to Tampa Bay edge rusher Yaya Diaby as a possible candidate if the Buccaneers decide to listen. Diaby has already shown real production with 22 career sacks, and for a Chargers team trying to plan beyond the present, his age and room to grow could make him the kind of developmental target worth monitoring if the front office decides to get aggressive. [Read more 🡒]