LA Chargers: 5 trade options better than the rumored Vikings’ trade
By Steven Haglund
The Desmond King rumor mill is churning once again. Let’s look at some potential trade options for the LA Chargers.
Desmond King has been one of the focal points for the LA Chargers this offseason, unfortunately for the former Iowa Hawkeye, it has been because of constant trade rumors. King was great as a rookie, even better in year two but unfortunately regressed in a bad way in year three. He also was essentially suspended for one game for breaking the team’s rules and the Chargers basically signed his replacement in Chris Harris Jr.
I personally believe that King will bounce back, but the question is how big of an opportunity will he be given? Not only does the team have Harris Jr, but they also need to see what they have in last year’s second-round pick, Nasir Adderly. To put it simply, there is a logjam in the secondary and sometimes that leads to a storm of trade rumors.
The Chargers are in a bit of a pickle when it comes to trading him, though. He is a former All-Pro player and he clearly has a very high ceiling. But because of his 2019 regression, his trade value isn’t exactly sky-high at the moment.
The smart money says the Chargers will hold onto him, and if he does bounce back they will keep him around. If he doesn’t, they will let him walk because they have a lot of other key players they need to give new contracts to.
ESPN’s Field Yates recently brought up the idea of the Chargers potentially trading King to the Minnesota Vikings for offensive tackle Riley Reiff.
It’s an interesting idea, and the Chargers could use some more depth on the offensive line, but as our very own Jason Reed said here: the Chargers do really believe in the development of Trey Pipkins, or at least want to see if new offensive line coach James Campen can work his magic on him.
I just can’t see the Chargers trading King for a backup who would only see the field if Pipkins or Bulaga get injured.