In the weeks leading up to the NFL draft, the Los Angeles Chargers received trade inquiries for star quarterback Justin Herbert from the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings but quickly turned down both requests, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz confirmed Thursday that he fielded inquiries about Herbert but did not specify which teams contacted him. “Justin who?” Hortiz said with a smile. “No. No, at the combine I had some people ask me would we consider it, and they were quickly shot down. No, that is never an option.”
The potential blockbuster trade would have been a costly one for the Chargers, who would have had to take on a $63.5 million salary cap charge for the 2024 season if they traded Herbert. The Chargers signed Herbert in July to a five-year, $262.5 million extension that included $133.7 million in full guarantees and $193.7 million in injury guarantees. The Patriots and Vikings, meanwhile, both pivoted to the draft for their franchise quarterbacks. New England selected Drake Maye with the No. 3 pick, while the Vikings took J.J. McCarthy after trading with the New York Jets to move up one spot to No. 10.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, when asked about Minnesota’s reported inquiry into Herbert’s availability, said he didn’t “know where this stuff comes from.” He expressed frustration with the rumors and seemed baffled by the situation. “I wish I could tell you how much joy we get from seeing the stuff that gets written. … Those aren’t things that come out of this building,” Adofo-Mensah said Thursday. “I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t know where this stuff comes from. Sometimes it works out in our favor. I can’t even respond.”
Since Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh were hired in February, Herbert has often sounded like an afterthought in the team’s public comments. Hortiz, Harbaugh, and other staff members have emphasized building a strong rushing offense to dominate opponents. Running game coordinator and tight ends coach Andy Bischoff highlighted that the Chargers prioritize their offensive line, making them the real stars of the team. These comments may have raised questions about Herbert’s role within the organization.
Despite the focus on the rushing game, the Chargers are well aware of Justin Herbert’s talent. Hortiz has mentioned that they “know what they have” at quarterback and how Herbert’s presence in Los Angeles played a significant role in his decision to join the organization. The quick denials of trade inquiries for Herbert further confirm the team’s belief in his abilities. The Chargers’ leadership is optimistic that building a strong rushing offense, highlighted by their selection of offensive lineman Joe Alt in the draft, will only enhance Herbert’s performance on the field.
Offensive coordinator Greg Roman pondered the possibilities of pairing Justin Herbert with a great running game. The vision of a solid rushing attack complementing Herbert’s passing skills excites the coaching staff and fans alike. The Chargers seem committed to maximizing Herbert’s potential and creating a winning formula for the team. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Herbert and the Chargers as they strive for success in the competitive NFL landscape.
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