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The Los Angeles Chargers have reached a point where they need to start thinking about the future, and Dalvin Tomlinson should be one of the first players they consider trading before the 2026 NFL trade deadline.
Los Angeles is off to an embarrassing 0-5 start, and head coach Jim Harbaugh has struggled to get this team playing anywhere close to its potential. After consecutive playoff failures, the Chargers are running out of reasons to believe this season will be any different. Unless something changes quickly, Los Angeles should prepare to become a seller rather than waste valuable assets trying to salvage a season that is already slipping away.
Tomlinson is an obvious candidate to move. The veteran defensive tackle is playing on a one-year deal worth $6.5 million, and the Chargers have little reason to bring him back if they are not going to compete. If he can get healthy and show potential suitors that he still has something to offer, general manager Joe Hortiz should explore the market before the deadline.
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Chargers should trade Dalvin Tomlinson while he still has value
Tomlinson has been a productive defensive lineman throughout his NFL career, recording 376 tackles and 20.5 sacks. His numbers have been quieter in 2026, with just eight tackles so far, but that does not mean a contender would have no interest in acquiring him.
Veteran defensive tackles who can contribute immediately are valuable to teams trying to strengthen their defensive fronts for a postseason run. Tomlinson has experience playing in meaningful games, and a team looking for additional depth inside could view him as a worthwhile midseason addition. His $6.5 million contract could complicate a deal, but the Chargers might be willing to absorb part of his remaining salary to make a trade more appealing.
Tomlinson is also dealing with an injury and is questionable for Week 7’s game, making his health an important factor in any potential deal. Los Angeles should not rush to trade him before it understands his recovery timeline, but it also cannot afford to wait too long if a contender becomes interested.
The Chargers already have several players worth keeping as they attempt to rebuild their roster. Moving an impending free agent who is unlikely to return would give the organization an opportunity to acquire draft capital or a younger player who could contribute beyond this season.
There is little reason to hold onto Tomlinson just to finish out a lost year. If another team is willing to make a reasonable offer, Hortiz should listen.
Khalil Mack isn’t the only Chargers defender who could be traded
I have already made the case for trading Khalil Mack, one of the best edge rushers of the past decade, because he deserves an opportunity to make another postseason run. The Chargers are not in a position to give him that opportunity right now, and a trade could benefit both sides.
Other defensive players who could potentially draw interest include Donte Jackson, Elijah Molden, Tony Jefferson, Bud Dupree, and Denzel Perryman. Depending on their contracts, health, and the offers available, the Chargers should explore whether moving some of these veterans could help replenish their roster.
The offensive side of the ball presents fewer obvious trade candidates. Justin Herbert is not going anywhere, and recent reporting from Adam Schefter has reinforced that the quarterback is not expected to be moved. Herbert remains the foundation of the franchise, and Los Angeles needs to build around him rather than entertain trade speculation.
That makes decisions involving veteran defenders even more important. The Chargers need to identify which players can be part of their next competitive team and which ones could bring back assets that help them get there.
Tomlinson falls into the second category. He is an experienced defensive tackle on an expiring contract, and the Chargers are unlikely to re-sign him if their season continues down this path.
Los Angeles cannot undo its 0-5 start, but it can make smarter decisions before the deadline. Trading Tomlinson would not fix everything wrong with the Chargers, but it would be a practical step toward preparing for the future instead of holding onto veterans who may not be around next season.
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