Vikings, Patriots reached out to Chargers about Justin Herbert trade
In the days ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, lingering chatter surrounded the Los Angeles Chargers concerning star quarterback Justin Herbert.
The rumor mill had suggested that Herbert may be available in the trade market. However, the Chargers quickly dispelled that noise after the first day of the draft on Thursday night.
“Justin who?” Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said with a smile via ESPN. “No. No, at the combine I had some people ask me would we consider it, and they were quickly shot down. No, that is never an option.”
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The Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots reportedly each contacted the Chargers about Herbert’s availability, but they were met with swift declines.
Los Angeles is fully committed to their Pro Bowl quarterback, who inked a five-year, $262.5 million extension last July that includes $133.7 million guaranteed and $193.7 million in injury guarantees.
The Vikings quickly pivoted from that pursuit to add their potential franchise cornerstone under center in Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy after moving up to the 10th overall pick to snag him.
Meanwhile, the Patriots wasted no time by taking North Carolina’s Drake Maye with the third overall selection. There was plenty of traction leading up to the draft that New England would take that approach.
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Although the Chargers didn’t add another skilled position weapon to their offense, the organization did beef up their offensive line with Notre Dame’s offensive tackle Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick.
Los Angeles will move forward with Herbert as the key to the future.
