Trade Rumors Surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers' Roster

As the NFL trade deadline approaches and the Los Angeles Chargers find themselves in a precarious position—hovering around .500 and struggling to keep pace with the AFC West leaders—trade rumors have begun to swirl around their roster. These rumors, fueled by league insiders, salary cap pressures, and the team’s need to address longstanding gaps, touch on both potential additions (to boost playoff hopes) and subtractions (to shed contracts and rebuild key units). For the Chargers, a franchise that has playoff talent but has failed to translate it into consistent success, trades could be the difference between a late-season push and another disappointing finish. Trade Rumors Surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers' Roster breaks down the most credible rumors, their implications for the team’s short-term and long-term goals, and why each potential move has sparked debate among fans and analysts.

The most prominent trade rumor surrounding the Chargers centers on their potential pursuit of a veteran pass-rusher to bolster the defensive line, a unit that has underperformed despite high expectations. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Chargers have “checked in” with teams holding edge-rushers available for trade, with a particular focus on players who can complement star defensive end Joey Bosa. The Chargers’ pass rush has recorded just 18 sacks through 10 games—tied for 22nd in the NFL—and Bosa has been forced to shoulder too much of the load, leading to fatigue in late-game situations. Rumored targets include the Chicago Bears’ Yannick Ngakoue (9 sacks last season) and the Arizona Cardinals’ Markus Golden (6 sacks in 2024), both of whom are on expiring contracts and could be acquired for mid-round draft picks. Adding a pass-rusher would not only improve the Chargers’ ability to pressure quarterbacks but also take pressure off their secondary, which has struggled to contain opposing wide receivers. Trade Rumors Surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers' Roster frames this rumor as a “win-now” move, as the Chargers need to strengthen their defense to compete with AFC West powerhouses like the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders.

Another notable trade rumor focuses on the Chargers potentially trading away a wide receiver to address other roster needs, with veteran Keenan Allen emerging as a surprising name in reports. Allen, a six-time Pro Bowler who has spent his entire 11-year career with the Chargers, is still productive (65 catches for 720 yards and 4 touchdowns this season) but is set to earn $18 million next year—a steep price for a 31-year-old receiver. According to Pro Football Talk, the Chargers have “listened to offers” for Allen, though they haven’t actively shopped him. The logic behind the rumor is clear: trading Allen would free up salary cap space to invest in the offensive line (which has allowed 35 sacks this season) or the secondary, while also making room for younger receivers like Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer to take on larger roles. However, the move is controversial among fans, who view Allen as a franchise icon and a key leader in the locker room. Trade Rumors Surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers' Roster emphasizes that this rumor reflects the Chargers’ difficult balancing act: honoring a long-tenured player versus making tough decisions to improve the team’s overall competitiveness.

For the Los Angeles Chargers, trade rumors also include potential moves to shore up the offensive line, a persistent weakness that has plagued quarterback Justin Herbert throughout his career. Herbert, one of the NFL’s most talented young quarterbacks, has been sacked 135 times in his first four seasons—more than any other quarterback in the league during that span—and has missed three games this season with a shoulder injury. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chargers have targeted interior offensive linemen in trade talks, with the Indianapolis Colts’ Quenton Nelson (a four-time Pro Bowler) and the Detroit Lions’ Jonah Jackson (a 2022 Pro Bowler) mentioned as potential targets. Nelson, who is in the final year of his contract, would require a first-round draft pick and a contract extension, but his addition would immediately stabilize the Chargers’ guard position. Jackson, meanwhile, could be acquired for a second-round pick and is viewed as a more cost-effective option. For the Los Angeles Chargers, fixing the offensive line isn’t just about protecting Herbert—it’s about unlocking the full potential of their offense, which has underperformed despite having Herbert, Allen, and running back Austin Ekeler. Trade Rumors Surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers' Roster explores how this rumor highlights the Chargers’ most critical need: keeping their franchise quarterback healthy and giving him time to make plays.

The Los Angeles Chargers are also linked to trade rumors involving their secondary, specifically the cornerback position, which has been a liability in recent weeks. The Chargers have allowed 260 passing yards per game this season—24th in the NFL—and have struggled to contain top wide receivers like the Raiders’ Davante Adams and the Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill. According to NFL Insider Mike Garafolo, the Chargers have expressed interest in the Minnesota Vikings’ Byron Murphy Jr., a 25-year-old cornerback who has 2 interceptions and 8 pass breakups this season. Murphy, who is under contract through 2025, would add much-needed youth and consistency to the Chargers’ secondary, which currently relies on 32-year-old J.C. Jackson (who has struggled with injuries and inconsistency). Acquiring Murphy would likely cost the Chargers a third-round draft pick, a relatively low price for a player who could be a long-term starter. For the Los Angeles Chargers, strengthening the secondary would not only improve their pass defense but also allow their defense to take more risks up front, as they wouldn’t have to worry about giving up big plays downfield. Trade Rumors Surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers' Roster notes that this rumor reflects the Chargers’ commitment to building a balanced defense, rather than relying solely on their pass rush.

Finally, the collective weight of these trade rumors underscores the Los Angeles Chargers’ crossroads moment—a franchise with talent but no playoff wins since 2018, facing pressure to either compete now or reset for the future. General manager Tom Telesco has faced criticism for failing to fix the offensive line and secondary in recent offseasons, and this trade deadline could be his last chance to prove he can build a contender around Herbert. Whether the Chargers pursue a pass-rusher, trade Allen for cap space, or fix the offensive line, each move will send a clear message: are they committed to winning with Herbert in his prime, or are they preparing for a rebuild? For the Los Angeles Chargers, the stakes couldn’t be higher—Herbert’s contract extension kicks in next season, and the team can’t afford to waste his talent with another inconsistent roster. Trade Rumors Surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers' Roster concludes that these rumors aren’t just about player movement; they’re about the franchise’s identity. Will the Chargers finally make the tough moves to become a playoff contender, or will they remain stuck in mediocrity? Only time will tell, but the trade deadline will likely provide a clear answer.