Apr 25, 2024, 11:01 p.m. ET
The Chargers are very clear about one thing: they do not want to release their quarterback Justin Herbert.
COSTA MESA, Calif. — 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 rejected both requests, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. .
The potential blockbuster trade would have been costly 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.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert attempts to throw a pass during the first half of a game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, December 10, 2023 in Inglewood, California. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Photo
The Chargers signed Herbert last July to a five-year, $262.5 million extension that included $133.7 million in total guarantees and $193.7 million in injury guarantees.
Meanwhile, the Patriots and Vikings turned to the draft to find their franchise quarterbacks. New England selected Drake Maye with the third pick, while the Vikings selected JJ McCarthy after trading with the New York Jets to move up one spot to No. 10.
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Since coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz were hired in February, Herbert has often sounded like an afterthought in the team’s public comments. Harbaugh and Hortiz have talked about developing the run offense and planning to dominate teams on that front.
Run game coordinator and tight ends coach Andy Bischoff said the Chargers are an offensive line-centric team, one where the offensive linemen are the superstars and everyone else will “fall in line.”
But the comments have come only because the Chargers know they have one of the best in the league at the quarterback position in Herbert.
Hortiz has often briefly mentioned, when talking about the Chargers’ roster, that they “know what they have” at quarterback and how Herbert’s place in Los Angeles was a big reason he took the job. The quick denials to questions about trading Herbert support this claim.
Harbaugh, Hortiz and the rest of the organization hope the running offense they’re building with their fifth pick, offensive lineman Joe Alt, will make Herbert an even better player.
“Can you imagine Justin Herbert having a great running game?” offensive coordinator Greg Roman asked.
2024-04-26 03:01:00
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