Chargers' Plans Revealed in NFL Trade Deadline Preview

The Los Angeles Chargers (0-7) are all but out of the NFL playoff race heading into the NFL trade deadline. With that, some speculate that they might make a trade to help a contender.

Prevailing wisdom would suggest that a trade is the best course of action for the Chargers before a rebuild this offseason, but it doesn't appear that the Bolts have the same plans. NFL analysts are talking about Los Angeles' reluctance to trade their best players.

Carter Bahns of CBS Sports discussed the likelihood that the Chargers would entertain a trade of star defensive lineman Khalil Mack. Bahns does not think it's very likely. Here's some of what the writer had to say about the possibility of such trade at the trade deadline.

"The only winless team in the NFL may stand firm at the Nov. 10 trade deadline. Despite their deeply disappointing start to the season, the Los Angeles Chargers reportedly have no interest in moving their perceived top trade candidates. According to ESPN, the front office made it clear to other teams that edge rusher Khalil Mack will remain a Charger at the deadline, and any questions regarding quarterback Justin Herbert and wide receiver Ladd McConkey were met with 'hard nos.'

If the Chargers were to make a deal by Tuesday, Mack would be perhaps the least surprising trade piece considering he is on an expiring contract and continues to play disruptive football from the edge rusher position, which is always in demand. But Los Angeles has always been steadfast in its desire to keep the future Hall of Famer in town through the end of his deal. Mid-round draft capital would be a reasonable return for the 35-year-old, but instead the Chargers repeatedly shut down outside interest in one of their top defensive assets."

The current roster is not winning games. It would make sense for the Chargers to be trade deadline sellers and restart, especially given the talent available in the upcoming NFL draft. Still, Los Angeles seems to be attached to its current stars and unwilling to trade them away.

The reluctance to trade players like quarterback Justin Herbert may be an indication that the Chargers front office believes it is either the offensive scheme or surrounding personnel that is the root of the team's issues. Perhaps the offseason will reveal what Los Angeles believes must be improved to get back into contention in 2027.