In recent weeks, the Los Angeles Chargers have been bombarded with trade inquiries for their star quarterback Justin Herbert. Teams like the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings were among those interested in acquiring Herbert. However, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz quickly shut down these requests, emphasizing that trading Herbert was never an option. The potential trade would have come at a hefty cost for the Chargers, with a $63.5 million salary cap charge looming over the 2024 season if they had decided to part ways with Herbert.
Despite the trade inquiries, both the Patriots and Vikings shifted their focus to the NFL draft to secure their franchise quarterbacks. The Patriots selected Drake Maye with the No. 3 pick, while the Vikings traded up to grab J.J. McCarthy at No. 10. Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah dismissed reports of their interest in Herbert, stating that such rumors were baseless and did not originate from within their organization. The Chargers, on the other hand, stood firm in their commitment to Herbert and his future with the team.
Since the arrival of Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have made it clear that Herbert is a crucial piece of their roster. Despite their emphasis on building a strong rushing offense, it is evident that Herbert’s talent and potential are highly regarded within the organization. Mentioned briefly in discussions about the team’s roster, Herbert’s presence in Los Angeles was a significant factor in Hortiz’s decision to join the Chargers. The swift denials of trade inquiries further highlight Herbert’s importance to the team and their plans for the future.
As the Chargers continue to build their team, the focus remains on maximizing Herbert’s abilities on the field. With the addition of offensive lineman Joe Alt in the draft, the team aims to bolster their rushing offense and provide Herbert with the support he needs to succeed. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman expressed excitement at the prospect of pairing Herbert with a strong running game, emphasizing the impact it could have on Herbert’s performance. As the Chargers look to the future, Herbert’s role as the team’s franchise quarterback is secure, and his value to the organization is undeniable.
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