Trade Speculation Continues for the Los Angeles Chargers

As the 2025 NFL trade deadline passed in early November, the Los Angeles Chargers made only one minor move—trading cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor to the Jets for a late-round draft pick—but that hasn’t quieted the ongoing trade speculation surrounding the team. With the Chargers in the thick of the AFC playoff race (10-4 through Week 14) but facing lingering depth concerns in key areas, analysts, insiders, and fans have continued to debate potential midseason or offseason trades that could push the team from “contender” to “Super Bowl favorite.” Trade Speculation Continues for the Los Angeles Chargers breaks down the positions generating the most buzz, the reported targets linked to the Chargers, and the strategic calculus driving the speculation—while examining how general manager Tom Telesco’s history of patient roster building might influence future moves. For a franchise balancing win-now urgency with long-term stability, every rumor isn’t just noise—it’s a window into the tough choices ahead.

Trade Speculation Continues for the Los Angeles Chargers begins with the position drawing the most attention: offensive line depth, specifically at guard and tackle. The Chargers’ starting line has held steady for most of the season, but injuries have exposed vulnerabilities: starting guard Zion Johnson has missed two games with an ankle sprain, and backup Wes Schweitzer (signed in the offseason) is set to become a free agent in 2026. With the team relying on undrafted rookie Cameron Tom to fill in at guard during Johnson’s absence, speculation has swirled that the Chargers could target a veteran guard ahead of the postseason or in the 2026 offseason. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport recently reported that the Chargers have “done their homework” on players like Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (who has a potential out in his contract after 2025) and Denver Broncos tackle Mike McGlinchey (a Los Angeles native with ties to the Chargers’ coaching staff). “Offensive line depth is always a priority this time of year, but for the Chargers, it’s even more critical because of how they rely on Justin Herbert’s passing,” said ESPN analyst Louis Riddick. “If they can add a proven starter or high-end backup, it could be the difference between a short playoff run and a deep push.”

Trade Speculation Continues for the Los Angeles Chargers delves into the secondary, another area where speculation has picked up steam. The Chargers’ cornerback room is deep—J.C. Jackson, Asante Samuel Jr., and Keenan Isaac have played well—but safety depth remains a question mark. Starter Derwin James Jr. is a franchise player, but backup Nasir Adderley has struggled in limited snaps, and rookie Brady Breeze is still developing. With the AFC featuring pass-heavy offenses like the Chiefs, Bills, and Bengals, analysts have suggested the Chargers could target a veteran safety to add experience and versatility. Recent reports have linked the Chargers to players like Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (a seven-time Pro Bowler who could be a cap casualty in 2026) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (though the Buccaneers have signaled they’re unlikely to trade him). The speculation intensified after James missed a Week 13 practice with a minor hamstring tweak, sparking concerns about how the Chargers would handle a long-term absence. “Derwin James is irreplaceable, but having a reliable backup is non-negotiable if you want to win in the AFC,” said NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks. “The Chargers have the draft capital to make a move—they just need to decide if it’s worth giving up a pick for a rental or a long-term piece.”

Trade Speculation Continues for the Los Angeles Chargers examines the Chargers’ potential motivations for making a trade—specifically, whether they’re focused on a short-term playoff push or long-term roster building. Telesco, who has been with the Chargers since 2013, has a history of prioritizing sustainability over quick fixes: he rarely trades high draft picks for rental players, preferring to build through the draft and sign low-risk free agents. This approach has led to speculation that any trade the Chargers make will likely be for a player with multiple years left on their contract, not a rental. For example, if they target a guard like Nelson, it would likely be a pre-2026 offseason trade or free-agent signing, not a midseason rental. The Chargers also have cap space flexibility: they’re projected to have over $30 million in cap space in 2026, giving them room to absorb a veteran contract. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the speculation isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about aligning any move with their long-term vision. “Tom Telesco doesn’t make impulsive trades,” said a source close to the team. “Every move he considers has to fit two criteria: it helps the team win now, and it doesn’t compromise the future. That’s why the speculation is more about offseason moves than midseason rentals.”

Trade Speculation Continues for the Los Angeles Chargers explores fan and media reactions to the rumors, which have been mixed. Some fans have urged the Chargers to be aggressive, arguing that with Herbert in his prime and Harbaugh leading the team, this is the “window” to win a Super Bowl—and that holding onto draft picks is shortsighted. A recent poll on the Chargers’ official fan forum found that 62% of respondents supported trading a 2026 third-round pick for a veteran offensive lineman. Other fans, however, have expressed caution, pointing to past failed trades (like the 2022 acquisition of Khalil Mack, which worked out, but the 2021 trade for Jackson, which had a rocky start) as reasons to trust Telesco’s patient approach. Media reactions have also been split: some analysts, like Riddick, have argued the Chargers “need to be bold,” while others, like Brooks, have praised Telesco for “not chasing hype.” The debate has played out on social media, with #ChargersTrade and #TrustTelesco trending on X during Week 14. For the Los Angeles Chargers, fan and media speculation is a double-edged sword: it shows excitement about the team’s potential, but it also adds pressure to make a move. “We understand the excitement, and we appreciate the passion of our fans,” Telesco said in a recent press conference. “But we have a plan, and we’re going to stick to it—whether that includes a trade or not.”

Trade Speculation Continues for the Los Angeles Chargers wraps up with the future of the speculation—and what it means for the Chargers’ season. With the regular season winding down and the playoffs approaching, midseason trade speculation will likely fade, but offseason rumors will pick up steam as soon as the 2025 season ends. The Chargers’ performance in the playoffs will play a big role in shaping their trade strategy: if they make a deep run, they may be more inclined to keep their core intact; if they exit early, they may look to address depth issues more aggressively. Regardless of the outcome, the speculation is a sign of the team’s progress: after years of missing the playoffs, the Chargers are now a team that analysts and fans expect to make moves to win. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the ongoing trade talk isn’t just about rumors—it’s about respect. “Being the subject of trade speculation means people think you’re a contender,” said Harbaugh. “That’s a good problem to have. Now, we just need to go out and prove we’re worthy of that respect.” As the Chargers prepare for their final regular-season games, the speculation will continue to swirl—but the team’s focus remains on the field. After all, the best way to quiet trade rumors is to win games—and if the Chargers keep winning, they may not need to make a trade at all.