There was nowhere for Justin Herbert to hide as the Los Angeles Chargers fell to 0-5.
As questions mount over what exactly’s going on in the Chargers’ building, concerns have also been raised about Herbert’s future with the franchise, given the dramatic falloff.
A day after the Chargers’ 23-17 loss to the Broncos, ESPN’s Benjamin Solak raised an interesting little question about Justin Herbert’s potential trade value. The 28-year-old quarterback remains under contract through 2029, with compensation figures of $24 million in 2026, $36 million in 2027, $52 million in 2028, and $50.5 million in 2029.
Fans Have a Few Thoughts on Justin Herbert’s Trade Value
“What would you offer in trade for him?” Solak wrote, calling it a serious question rather than one for engagement farming on X.
The question came after a fourth quarter that got away from Herbert and the Chargers.
They led 17-10 entering the final period Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Their last five possessions ended in a three-and-out, a failed fourth-and-1 sneak, a lost fumble, an interception, and a game-ending sack, while the Broncos scored the last 13 points.
Herbert finished 14 of 24 for 121 yards with a touchdown and an interception, took five sacks and lost a fumble trying to throw the ball away under pressure. He put the turnovers on himself afterward. “Just can’t turn the ball over. You can’t expect to win games when you turn the ball over.”
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Some answers from fans on social media still put a premium on Herbert. “Two firsts and Ty Simpson,” wrote Ted Nguyen, an NFL writer for The Athletic, answering Solak’s question.
Two first-round picks would echo the Rams’ January 2021 trade for Matthew Stafford, which sent Jared Goff, two firsts and a third to the Detroit Lions.
The Broncos, meanwhile, sent two firsts, two seconds, a fifth and three players to the Seattle Seahawks for Russell Wilson in March 2022. That same month, the Cleveland Browns gave the Houston Texans three firsts, a third and two fourths for Deshaun Watson and a 2024 sixth-round pick.
Another answer also started at two first-round picks, with the picks spelled out. “Philly’s 2027 1, 2028 1, and the Ravens 2028 2nd,” wrote Mitchell Schwartz, a former Kansas City Chiefs and Browns offensive tackle who won Super Bowl LIV.
In all fairness, the Chargers have been shorthanded around Herbert. They started four rookies on the offensive line Sunday because of injuries, and he has been sacked 17 times through five games.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who took full responsibility for the failed fourth-down call, also shared the blame for Herbert’s late turnovers, saying, “Trying to make a play. We did not put him in the best situation to win the game.”
Skeptics Say Justin Herbert’s Slump Has Lowered His Trade Price
Sports Illustrated NFL writer Matt Verderame saw the slump cutting into what the Chargers could get back. “Because of his history of being productive, it’s multiple firsts. But his value is low right now compared to any point in his career,” he wrote.
To no one’s surprise, Herbert’s numbers sit near the bottom of the league. Through Week 5, he has completed 59.4% of his passes, 28th of 31 qualified quarterbacks, with five touchdown passes and a 70.2 passer rating that ranks 30th of 31. His completion percentage over expected is minus 4.5, 29th of 31.
Pro Football Network’s NFL QB Impact Grade has Herbert at 60.4 through Week 5, dead last among graded quarterbacks. He has accounted for nine turnovers this season, seven of them interceptions.
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Cody Tapp, host of “Cody & Gold” on “96.5 The Fan,” put a number on the drop. “Before this season I think a team would have offered three first-round picks. Best guess now is it is a first and an added 2nd or 3rd.”
Herbert’s résumé is the other sticking point. He has two Pro Bowl selections but has never won a playoff game, losing wild-card games to the Jacksonville Jaguars after leading 27-0, to the Texans 32-12, and to the New England Patriots 16-3 in January.
One fan drew a line in the sand at multiple first-round picks. “Great arm talent, but the résumé doesn’t justify the price tag for me.”
The Chargers face another difficult challenge in Week 6 against the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs, who are coming off their bye.
A sixth straight defeat would give the franchise its first 0-6 start since 2000, adding further pressure ahead of Los Angeles’ Week 7 bye and the November 10 trade deadline.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.