The Los Angeles Chargers went into the 2025 season envisioning a 1-2 punch of rookie Omarion Hampton and former Pittsburgh Steelers top pick Najee Harris causing all kinds of havoc in the running game, but this team didn't even make it out of September before that plan went up in smoke.
Harris suffered a torn Achilles that brought an end to the California native's 2025 season. While Hampton proved that he can shoulder the load by dominating against the New York Giants, it might behoove Joe Hortiz to make a move for a veteran that can be acquired without breaking the bank.
Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated believes that the Chargers should send a seventh-round pick to the Houston Texans, which would bring back a potential high-end backup in former Pro Bowler Nick Chubb.
This Chargers-Texans trade brings Nick Chubb to Los Angeles
Chubb signed with the Texans with the thought that he could provide a powerful complement to Joe Mixon. After Mixon suffered a serious injury before the season started, Chubb was able to walk into a starting role after a down year brought an end to his Browns tenure.
Chubb started off the season in strong fashion, but Houston's Week 4 win has seemingly entrenched rookie Woody Marks as the team's top back until Mixon gets back. Chubb's lack of receiving value could limit his chances to get on the field, making him a trade target for a Chargers team that needs more depth.
Hampton has proven to be a better receiver than many expected him to be early in his career, but it might not be best for him or this offense to put him on a 300-touch workload in his rookie season. Greg Roman's style is all about dominating in the trenches, and Chubb could keep the running game humming.
The Texans might not be thrilled to hand a player like Chubb over to the Chargers for essentially nothing, but if Marks is as good as he looked in the last few games, this offense is likely not going to miss a beat if they offload Chubb.
The Chargers should give Hampton the proverbial keys to the kingdom, but what they should not do is let him die on the vine without many quality alternatives behind him. Chubb has flashed at points this season, and he could be in for a few more vintage games if he comes to LA.