In 2024, the Minnesota Vikings reportedly expressed trade interest in Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert , but that franchise was not selling. Fast forward to the doorstep of the 2026 offseason, and the idea is circulating once again.
The idea keeps resurfacing because Minnesota's QB picture still has fog around it, and the league loves attaching star names to uncertainty.
There's a chance that the Chargers flame out prematurely in the postseason — again — which might bring Herbert trade theories to the forefront of the rumor mill.
The old Vikings trade theory for Herbert resurfaces.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert warms up on the field as pregame routines unfold at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Dec. 21, 2025, preparing for a nationally watched matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Herbert moved through throwing drills and footwork progressions as coaches monitored timing and rhythm ahead of kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The Original Trade Skinny
On the first night of the 2024 NFL Draft, ESPN's Kris Rihm wrote , "In the weeks leading up to the NFL draft, the Los Angeles Chargers received trade inquiries for star quarterback Justin Herbert from the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings but quickly turned down both requests, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter."
"Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz confirmed Thursday that he fielded inquiries about Herbert but did not specify which teams contacted him."
Denied in the Herbert sweepstakes, the Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy the same night, and he's the current QB1 in Minnesota, though he's played just nine games of an eligible 33 to start his career.
Unless Schefter had it wrong or made it up, one of the Vikings' primary plans before landing on McCarthy was a Herbert trade.
Reignition from Fansided
Of course, the question must be asked: Would the Chargers still entertain a Herbert trade?
Fansided 's Mark Powell opined last week , "I mean, look, if it's at all possible, then yes. The Chargers know exactly how valuable Herbert is not just to their scheme, but how well he'd play for just about any team in the NFL."
" Los Angeles isn't even thinking of parting ways with a quarterback who will lead them to the playoffs this season. It'd take a certain set of circumstances for LA to trade Herbert, the first of which would be another disappointing finish to the season."
If the postseason began today , the Chargers would take on the Jaguars in Jacksonville .
"From there, Herbert would either have to ask for a trade or voice his displeasure in a way similar to Joe Burrow in Cincinnati . Third and most importantly, there has to be a desperate team willing to meet the Chargers' asking price for their best player," Powell continued.
"Are the Vikings that team? On the surface, yes. McCarthy hasn't made the necessary strides and the team is built to win-now. It's a longshot, but certainly worth a phone call should the Chargers trend downward in the coming weeks."
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert stands tall in the pocket during second-half action at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Dec. 27, 2025, surveying the field against the Houston Texans. Working from the end-zone angle, Herbert operated the offense as pressure closed in and the Chargers looked to close out the contest. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles trading Herbert before June 1, 2026, would sock the organziation with a $72 million dead cap penalty. So you can cross that off the list. However, after June 1st, the hardship would shrink to $22 million.
If the Chargers decided to move on from Herbert, that's probably a 2027 offseason talker.
What Happens if the Chargers Fire Up a Playoff One-and-Done?
The Chargers, to date, have not gone anywhere with Herbert in the playoffs. Full stop. Los Angeles is 0-2 in the postseason with Herbert in charge. He's been the QB1 in Los Angeles for six seasons.
Therefore, the question must be asked: What happens if the Chargers lose right away in the postseason and Hergbert fails to shed the playoff stigma? He'd appear to be the more modern Matthew Stafford , a quarterback who everyone knows is quite good, but the process just doesn't pay off on his current team.
The pressure on Herbert will hit a fever pitch in 2026 if he and the Chargers fail to win a playoff game next month. Take that to the bank.
Remember the McCarthy-Harbaugh Connection
And, finally — if the Vikings ever re-engage in Herbert trade talks, remember that Minnesota employs Jim Harbaugh's National Championship-winning quarterback, J.J. McCarthy .
Just like the 2024 theories, any swap with Herbert to Minnesota would probably involve McCarthy to Los Angeles, reuniting Harbaugh with his Michigan product, since the two totally cooked in the NCAA and Harbaugh is on record as adoring the guy.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh celebrates with quarterback J.J. McCarthy following a touchdown pass during third-quarter action at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Oct. 21, 2023, as Michigan pulled away from Michigan State. The sideline moment captured the connection between coach and quarterback during a pivotal rivalry game sequence. Mandatory Credit: Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK
Harbaugh said about McCarthy earlier this year, "Michigan players are beloved sons … that's one J.J., yeah. It will be nostalgic now, but I know once I envision playing, he is a tremendous competitor, and it's great. You get a little nostalgic, and I am just happy for each and every one of the guys. You are talking not just now but long and trusting friendships. Viking fans are going to be very happy as well with JJ McCarthy."
Again, due to the ginormous dead cap penalty , a theoretical Herbert trade to Minnesota should be reserved for the summer of 2026 or anytime after — if the Chargers trade him at all. They would be silly to do so.
