NFL Trade Rumors: Justin Herbert’s Chargers future comes under scrutiny after rough start | NFL News
Justin Herbert’s name has suddenly entered an uncomfortable conversation around the Los Angeles Chargers. After opening the 2026 season with two losses, questions are starting to emerge about what the franchise could do if the slide continues. An NFL insider has now suggested that rival teams could make calls about Herbert, even though a trade remains unlikely. For a Chargers team that committed $262.5 million to its quarterback, the situation could become one of the league’s biggest storylines if the early-season struggles continue.
Justin Herbert trade rumors grow after Chargers’ 0-2 start
The Chargers entered Week 3 without a win after falling to Arizona and Las Vegas in their first two games. The difficult stretch ahead has only added pressure, with Buffalo waiting on the schedule.That is where the Herbert trade discussion comes in.Tom Pelissero addressed the situation during an appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show.” He made it clear that he did not expect Los Angeles to trade Herbert, even if the Chargers reached a rough 1-5 or 0-6 record. However, he said other teams could still test the franchise by making calls.“If they’re 1-5 or 0-6, I don’t think that they trade Justin Herbert, but you can bet they’re going to get calls …,” Pelissero said. “Why not? Bad teams, if you’re having a bad season, people are going to sit there and, frankly, try to take advantage of you and go after your good players.”That distinction matters. Trade calls do not mean the Chargers are preparing to move their franchise quarterback. They simply reflect how rival teams may react if Los Angeles falls out of contention.
Justin Herbert’s $262.5 million contract adds another layer
Herbert is tied to a five-year, $262.5 million extension that runs through the 2029 season, with significant guaranteed money attached.His recent production has also become part of the debate. According to the figures cited in the original report, Herbert averaged 200.5 passing yards through two games, a career-low at that point.Still, the quarterback has dealt with considerable coaching turnover during his Chargers career. He has played under multiple head coaches and offensive coordinators, while the 2026 offense brought another major change with Mike McDaniel taking over the offensive coordinator role.That context makes it difficult to place the early struggles entirely on Herbert.For now, the Chargers appear to have a much bigger question to answer than whether another team might call. Their immediate task is to change the direction of the season before trade speculation becomes a bigger part of the conversation.
