Chargers Stand Pat: Mack, Herbert, and McConkey to Stay Past Deadline
The 0-7 Los Angeles Chargers have told other NFL teams they will not trade their key assets before Tuesday's deadline.
By Alessia Romano ·
The Los Angeles Chargers will keep quarterback Justin Herbert, wide receiver Ladd McConkey, and edge rusher Khalil Mack on their roster through the trade deadline on Nov. 10. ESPN reports that the front office has signaled a firm stance against moving these three players, effectively closing the market on the team's most valuable assets despite a winless start to the season.
The decision contradicts the typical market behavior of teams holding 0-7 records. Mack, who is on an expiring contract, is a highly sought-after commodity in the NFL. His age of 35 and status as a future Hall of Famer make him a prime candidate for a mid-round draft pick return. However, the Chargers have repeatedly shut down outside interest in the defensive star to preserve their roster core.
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh reinforced the team's intent this week. "I want Khalil Mack here," Harbaugh said. "Khalil Mack wants to be here. He's one of the pillars of our team." The coach's comments align with the front office's strategy to retain experience and leadership rather than pursue short-term draft capital.
Herbert and McConkey remain under contract for the foreseeable future, providing a financial and strategic lock-in for the franchise. Herbert is under team control through 2029, while McConkey's rookie deal extends through the end of next season. Keeping these players intact allows the organization to maintain a consistent offensive identity for future seasons.
The retention strategy comes at a cost in terms of immediate performance metrics. Herbert has thrown 10 interceptions in the first eight weeks, the highest total in the league. His passer rating of 69.3 is the second-worst among qualifying quarterbacks, trailing only Daniel Jones. McConkey has recorded just 17 catches in six games, marking a decline in his production levels.
The offense's struggles have cast a shadow over the players' market value, making a trade likely to result in a lower return. The Chargers also retained offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel through the bye week. His system currently ranks last in the league in points per game, with the team averaging 14.1 points per contest. The only visible change to the offensive setup is McDaniel moving from the sideline to the box for Week 9.
The team's 0-7 record is the only winless mark in the NFL. Most of their defeats have occurred by more than one possession. By holding their current roster and coaching staff in place, the Chargers are prioritizing long-term stability over the immediate acquisition of draft picks. The deadline arrives on Nov. 10, with no trades involving these three players expected before then.
