Entering the 2026 NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers had high hopes of contending for an AFC West division title. However, after a devastating 0-5 start, it seems like the right time to make big moves to lift the Chargers organization out of the mediocrity it has wallowed in since the 1980s. When the team selected Herbert with the 6th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, expectations were that the young quarterback would lead the team to postseason success.

In reality, Herbert has led the Chargers to the postseason three times. However, all three times, the Chargers were 1-and-done in the playoffs, falling short of the high expectations placed on the much-celebrated quarterback. In 2026, the stage was set for the Chargers to return to the postseason, with head coach Jim Harbaugh leading the way and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel bringing a reputation for innovation.

The Chargers are 0-5. Justin Herbert is struggling. And the Chiefs could make things MUCH worse. Could a loss to KC trigger major changes in LA? @RPatrickAllen, @Arrowhead_Adam & @MattVerderame discuss the Chargers' collapse, Tyreek Hill rumors and more! ? WATCH: https://t.co/P9e5ADbIfE

— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) October 15, 2026

The Chargers' failure to meet expectations puts them in a difficult position: they can stay in a perpetual state of mediocrity or make a bold move to take the organization to new heights. Trading a franchise quarterback like Herbert would require a partner willing to go all in and give the Chargers the resources to completely change the organization's trajectory. So what would it take to convince the franchise to let go of Herbert?

The price for a quarterback with the potential to change not only an NFL franchise's perception, but also deliver championship results, is astounding. The package to get Herbert would require three consecutive 1st-round draft picks, plus two 2nd-round picks and one or two elite playmakers on offense or defense. Only a few NFL teams have the resources to make a move of this magnitude, but if they do, they can reset their culture and the Chargers franchise.

New York Jets

The New York Jets have struggled to find answers to turn their franchise around. After a revolving door of head coaches and quarterbacks, the Jets have a chance to reset their reputation and make Aaron Glenn the franchise's long-term leader. To make this a reality, the Jets will need to send the Chargers three 1st-round draft picks (2027, 2028, and 2029), plus their 2027 2nd-round pick, edge rusher Will McDonald IV, and a starting wide receiver or cornerback.

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have come close in recent seasons to becoming the best team in the NFC North and legitimate Super Bowl contenders. What has kept the Vikings from achieving those goals has been quarterback mismanagement. That trend started when they chose not to re-sign Sam Darnold and continued when they made J.J. McCarthy their starting quarterback. Currently, the 'Vikings' starting quarterback is Kyler Murray after sending McCarthy to the Giants, but questions remain about whether Murray is the best long-term option for Minnesota. To land Herbert, the Vikings would need to give up their next three 1st-round draft picks, their next two 2nd-round draft picks, and a young defensive starter.

Atlanta Falcons

Another NFL team has made a series of poor quarterback decisions, which is disappointing after they built an offensive roster full of dynamic weapons. Right now, the Falcons are stuck with Michael Penix Jr. repeatedly getting injured, Tua Tagovailoa failing to take over the position, and Cooper Rush unable to run Kevin Stefanski's offense. Rather than waste an era with generational talent at running back in Bijan Robinson, elite wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts, the Falcons would need to add Herbert. To add Herbert, the Falcons would need to give up their next three 1st-round draft picks, a 2027 2nd-round and 3rd-round pick, and a young elite pass rusher.

New York Giants

The New York Giants are a compelling trade partner for the Chargers due to the familial relationship between John Harbaugh and Jim Harbaugh. In addition, the Giants have an injury-prone quarterback in Jaxson Dart, and with Dart missing significant portions of the last two seasons, adding a pocket passer like Herbert could stabilize their offense. Beyond the need for a franchise quarterback, the Giants have the resources the Chargers need to reset their franchise. To get Herbert, the Giants would need to offer their next three 1st-round draft picks, their 2027 2nd-round pick, and one of their young, key defensive starters.

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