Los Angeles Chargers Provide Important Update On Justin Herbert Trade Rumors As 2026 Season Spirals Out Of Control
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Justin Herbert remains the clear quarterback of the future in Los Angeles for now. The Chargers have no plans to trade their franchise signal-caller anytime soon. That message comes directly from NFL insider Tom Pelissero after the team dropped to 0-3 with a loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Herbert has a no-trade clause that would complicate any potential deal. The early-season struggles have still fueled outside speculation.
The offense has looked disjointed under new coordinator Mike McDaniel. Herbert’s passer rating ranks near the bottom of the league through three weeks. Receivers have struggled with alignment and precision while the offensive line has dealt with penalties and injuries.
Chargers Hold Firm on Their Franchise Quarterback
Pelissero noted that continued losses on a difficult upcoming schedule could raise broader questions about the direction of the franchise.
“The Chargers have no plans anytime soon to trade quarterback Justin Herbert, who has a no-trade clause that could scuttle any deal anyway,” Pelissero wrote.
“But if L.A. continues to spiral after its 0-2 start—and the upcoming schedule suggests it could, with the next four games at Buffalo, at Seattle, home against the Broncos, and at Kansas
Head coach Jim Harbaugh continues to express belief in the group. He has repeated the same message after each loss about working harder and improving as a team. The Chargers reached the playoffs in each of Harbaugh’s first two seasons, yet the current start has tested that confidence.
Herbert himself has pushed back against any sense of panic.
“Obviously not where we want to be,” Herbert said. “It starts with me. I’ve got to play better and do the things that allow our offense to score more points and help out the defense that’s playing really well and forcing so many turnovers.”
Outside noise has also focused on off-field distractions at times. Some observers previously pointed to personal matters involving Madison Beer as a factor in the slow start. Those theories remain unproven as the on-field issues dominate the conversation.
Tom Brady Criticizes Costly Interception Decision
The latest loss featured a pivotal fourth-quarter interception that shifted momentum. Herbert attempted a deep throw over the middle with a safety sitting in the passing lane. Bills defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson stepped in front of the pass and returned it into Chargers territory.
Tom Brady did not hold back on the call during the FOX broadcast. He described the throw as a poor decision with poor awareness and labeled it a “meatball sub.” The comment quickly circulated and added to the scrutiny surrounding Herbert’s early performances.
Brady also questioned other play-calling choices near the goal line earlier in the game. The Chargers had forced multiple turnovers yet failed to capitalize consistently. Herbert finished with 226 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the 24-16 defeat.
