The Los Angeles Chargers, currently the only team in the National Football League without a win this season, appear set to hold their key players through the November 10 trade deadline. Reports indicate that the front office has communicated a strong desire to retain their most valuable assets, effectively shutting down rumors of significant roster changes as the season progresses.
According to ESPN, the franchise made it clear to other teams that edge rusher Khalil Mack will remain with the squad. While Mack is on an expiring contract and continues to deliver disruptive performances from the defensive line, a position that is consistently in demand, Los Angeles has remained steadfast in its intention to keep the future Hall of Famer for the duration of his current deal. Mid-round draft capital was considered a reasonable potential return for the 35-year-old, but the team has repeatedly declined outside interest.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh publicly supported the decision to keep the veteran defender on the roster. He stated that he wants Mack there and noted that the player also desires to stay, describing him as one of the pillars of the team. This sentiment aligns with the organization's broader strategy to maintain its core group despite the challenging start to the campaign.
The decision to retain offensive stars Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey was met with similar firmness from the front office. Both players are viewed as essential building blocks for the franchise, regardless of the current state of the offense. Herbert remains under team control through 2029, while McConkey has two years left on his rookie contract. When performing at their peak, both are considered standout talents.
However, the current offense has struggled significantly this season. Herbert has thrown more interceptions than any other quarterback in the league over the first eight weeks, totaling 10 picks. His passer rating stands at 69.3, which is the second-worst among qualifying signal-callers, trailing only Daniel Jones. McConkey is also pacing for his least productive professional season, with just 17 catches in six games.
Trading these offensive weapons would likely result in the Chargers receiving less value due to the overall struggles of the unit. The organization appears unwilling to sell low on its primary playmakers. Instead, they are choosing to preserve their most valuable tools, even though this means forgoing the potential draft capital that could be acquired in a trade.
The Chargers are at 0-7, with the majority of their losses coming by more than one possession. This record has dug them into the deepest hole of any team in the league. Despite the lackluster performance, the team is opposed to the message that comes with giving up on the season. By holding onto their current roster, they are declining to cash in on their assets for future picks, a logical step for a team not currently equipped to contend.
Personnel decisions are not the only area where the franchise has maintained the status quo. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel was retained through the bye week, a surprising move given that his system is the least productive in the NFL. The Chargers average just 14.1 points per game, the lowest in the league. The only tangible change to the offense has been McDaniel moving from the sideline to the box during the most recent week.
Critics may argue that the team is repeating the same actions while expecting different results. By keeping the roster intact and avoiding changes to the coaching staff, the Chargers are fitting a definition of persistence that some observers view as problematic given their current standing.
