The start of the Los Angeles Chargers season has been an epic disaster. Despite heading into the year with high expectations, the Chargers are 0-4 entering Week 5. And when you look at the schedule, things don't get easier.
This is quarterback Justin Herbert's seventh year in the league, but things haven't taken off with the Chargers in the way anyone imagined. With how badly this season is going and could pan out, the front office may have to decide in the offseason if they want to trade Herbert or not.
Chargers may have an difficult Justin Herbert decision looming
Herbert inked a five-year, $262.5 million extension back in 2023, and that deal runs through 2029. His cap hit is $46 million in 2026 before increasing to $58 million, $71 million, and $59 million over the next three years.
We all know the price to keep a franchise quarterback around is sky-high, but with all the other problems that Los Angeles is facing, in addition to Herbert's poor play in 2026, the idea of a split in a few months isn't as far-fetched as many people believe.
Herbert is regarded as one of the most talented signal callers in the league, but for some reason, the Chargers haven't been able to get over the hump with him. While he isn't their biggest problem, he's certainly their best asset. And that's with his poor play to start the year.
Through four games, Herbert is completing 59 percent of his throws for 816 yards, four touchdowns and six interceptions. He has tossed an interception in every game and doesn't seem comfortable in Mike McDaniel's scheme.
Regardless of his play thus far, teams are always looking to take a chance on a talented quarterback, and if the Chargers actually put him on the block, there would be countless teams lined up to take a swing. The New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, and Minnesota Vikings are just a few teams who would likely call. The 2027 NFL Draft is also regarded as one of the best classes in recent memory.
Most importantly, there are multiple quarterbacks who are believed to be worthy of a first-round pick. That list includes Texas' Arch Manning, Oregon's Dante Moore, and Notre Dame's C.J. Carr. Some other intriguing options could feature Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss, Ohio State's Julian Sayin, Miami's Darian Mensah, USC's Jayden Maiava, and potentially Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker.
There's still a lot of college football left to be played to see how the board will shake out, but there could be options for Los Angeles to choose from if they wanted to move on from Herbert. Especially since they wouldn't get anything less than two first-round picks in exchange for Herbert.
Depending on where the picks shake out, Los Angeles could be given the chance to add some young, cheap talent to usher in a new era of Chargers football.
Not only would they be able to add a new quarterback, but the draft also has plenty of exciting receiver and cornerback prospects that could entice Los Angeles. That's without mentioning the interior offensive line and edge rusher prospects.
This football team has a lot of holes to fill, whether they want to admit it or not. While it's never easy to move on from your franchise QB, the Chargers shouldn't brush over the idea. There are still 13 games left in the regular season, so there's no telling how the season will unfold just yet.
The Chargers don't have much room for error going forward but if things continue on this trajectory, they will have a top 5 and if they decide to trade Herbert, they would allow add more draft capital to their team, while also clearing a ton of cap space to add players via trades/free agency.
We know Jim Harbaugh loves Herbert, but that doesn't mean he and GM Joe Hortiz shouldn't think about moving on from him for the good of the entire team and organization.
Add us as a preferred source on Google