The Chargers fell to 0-7 after another uninspired offensive effort vs. the Rams. Despite the BYE week and promise of possible adjustments, the team mostly looked the same as it did before. The defense showed up for the most part. But the Chargers' offense put up just nine points and was completely shut out in the second half. Justin Herbert made some awful choices resulting in turnovers. But the good news is that the team is keeping OC Mike McDaniel for another week. Yay!
Aside from just this week's outcome, everyone has known the fate of this team for a while. Regardless of how often GM Joe Hortiz says the team won't sell at the deadline, it's becoming a must very quickly. First it was reported by insiders that they might be thrown into trade talks if they're 0-6 at the BYE. Then it was if they're 0-8 at the trade deadline. As much as Hortiz has refused to take calls and offers, they're going to keep coming. And Los Angeles will continue to lose leverage.
0-7 should kick-start the Chargers' process of being sellers at the trade deadline.
The Chargers have "confounded" other teams in the league with their cavalier attitude towards the trade deadline. That came from a report by The Athletic's Jonathan Jones on Saturday. At some point, they'll have to face reality.
Prior to the Sunday slate of games, Ian Rapoport mentioned that the Bears are still interested in edge rusher Khalil Mack after their trade for Jeffery Simmons. On Sunday, Mack posted his lowest snap percentage of the season at 64.8%. Whether the Chargers pull the trigger on a trade this week or next, this feels like the first domino to fall. The Mack trade rumors have grown louder and louder over the last month.
While Mack is the most likely Charger to get traded, he's not the only player that'll have interest. Expiring contract players like CB Donte Jackson and RB Kimani Vidal have also had their names in the rumor mill.
Hortiz may have to worry about his own job security. That makes sense as the key reason he and the organization have been hesitant about trades to this point. But the Chargers have to recognize where they stand. The only thing left for the team in 2026 is determining which combination of coaches, front office, and players should return next year. The playoff dream is dead (and has been for a while).
If the Chargers don't seriously engage in trade talks with teams until next week's deadline, it also may limit what they get in return for their players. Regardless of how the season has failed to this point relative to expectations, cooler heads must prevail.
At the very least, the Chargers have to get something back for Mack. That's a non-negotiable if this is possibly his last season in the NFL. He also deserves a chance to compete elsewhere.
But outside of Mack, the organization has to do what's best for them in the long term and consider other trades. If Hortiz and Harbaugh allow themselves to operate entirely in self-preservation mode, conversations about ending their time in Los Angeles early should be had.
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