3 players Chargers must target at 2026 NFL trade deadline

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3 players Chargers must target at 2026 NFL trade deadline

Yago Antunes, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Sat, Oct 17, 2026 ·

7 min read

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The Los Angeles Chargers have emerged as one of the most intriguing teams to monitor as the November 10 trade deadline approaches. Their 0-5 start has sparked speculation regarding Khalil Mack , whose expiring contract makes him appealing to contenders in need of pass-rush assistance. Additionally, Quentin Johnston has also been mentioned as a potential trade candidate after an inconsistent start to his fourth season.

While selling veterans may become part of the team's strategy, the trade deadline does not have to serve solely as an opportunity to acquire future draft picks. Los Angeles still boasts Justin Herbert, who is in his prime, as well as Omarion Hampton, who is just beginning his career, and several defensive players who can contribute beyond this season. This situation provides general manager Joe Hortiz with a reason to seek out younger players who have become expendable on other teams.

The injuries along the offensive line make this important, as Rashawn Slater has missed time due to an ankle injury, Joe Alt has been sidelined because of a neck issue, and the Chargers have already had to delve deep into their tackle depth. The secondary has also suffered multiple injuries, indicating another area where a younger addition could thrive amid potential changes after the season.

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Three players fit a trade strategy focused on both the remainder of the 2026 season and the long-term outlook through 2027.

Blake Fisher could become part of the solution around Justin Herbert

Houston's offensive line reshuffling has put Blake Fisher in an unexpected position for a former second-round pick who already has significant starting experience. The Texans selected Fisher 59th overall in the 2024 draft, and he started 15 games in his first two NFL seasons, moving around between tackle positions. However, this year, his role has changed dramatically; the 23-year-old has played in each of Houston's first five games but has not made a single start.

This situation creates an interesting opportunity for Los Angeles, and they have spent the past two seasons learning how damaging offensive-line instability can be for quarterback Justin Herbert. Rashawn Slater missed the entire 2025 season before returning this year, while Storm Norton also lost much of last season to injury. Both tackles have already been unavailable during the current campaign, forcing Jim Harbaugh's coaching staff to rely on less experienced combinations than the offense was designed to support.

If the Chargers acquire Fisher, he would provide significantly more long-term value than simply signing another veteran as a temporary fill-in. His previous starting experience means that Mike McDaniel's offense would gain a player capable of contributing immediately. Additionally, his age and rookie contract would allow Los Angeles to continue developing him after the injured starters return. So, a healthy Slater and Norton would ideally serve as the team's primary tackle duo, with Fisher positioned as a swing tackle.

Brandon Stephens would give the secondary a more stable long-term option

The Chargers' defensive backfield started the season with enough talent to support Chris O'Leary's defensive strategy, but injuries have consistently disrupted the planned rotation. Derwin James Jr. has missed time, Donte Jackson has been dealing with a hamstring injury, and the cornerback combinations around Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart have changed frequently due to varying availability. Additionally, Jackson's name has appeared in trade speculation, which could create an even larger gap before the November deadline.

Brandon Stephens presents a way to make the position younger without having to wait for free agency. The Jets cornerback has played some of his best football this season and is under contract until at least 2026, providing any acquiring team with more than just a short-term rental. New York invested heavily in its secondary during the offseason and has younger players developing behind Stephens, making him a viable candidate in trade discussions around the league.

His experience in man coverage fits well with a Chargers defense that values flexibility in the backfield. At 6-foot-1, Stephens has the size to handle assignments on the perimeter, and his ability to play physical coverage would give O'Leary another option to strengthen a defense that may look quite different after the trade deadline. Making this move would be even more appealing as Los Angeles starts to evaluate its veteran contracts. Trading an older cornerback for a younger player with multiple years of control would allow the Chargers to transition their roster effectively, rather than just accumulating draft picks and deferring decisions until March.

While Stephens should cost more than just a late-round selection, since his current team has no obligation to trade him, Los Angeles has enough future needs in the secondary to warrant exploring a deal that provides value beyond this season.

Christian Haynes could strengthen an unsettled interior offensive line

Seattle's situation at right guard deserves attention as Anthony Bradford nears his return from injured reserve. Christian Haynes has taken advantage of Bradford's absence, starting five consecutive games after initially being part of the rotation at the beginning of the season. Beau Stephens has also seen playing time at the position, giving Seattle multiple options when their established starter returns. This competition creates a depth-chart scenario that should be monitored by Hortiz, as Haynes entered the NFL as a third-round selection in 2024 and, at only 26 years old, provides Los Angeles with a younger interior option at a position that has lacked stability. The Chargers' Week 6 depth chart lists Kayode Awosika and Cole Strange at guard, but injuries have already necessitated adjustments across an offensive line struggling to find continuity.

Adding another developmental guard could give Harbaugh more flexibility without the need to invest in an expensive veteran. Haynes' experience in Seattle's run-heavy scheme could align well with what Los Angeles aims to achieve with Hampton, and while McDaniel can create space through motion and formation, the Chargers need linemen who can generate movement inside rather than relying solely on perimeter runs.

Seattle has no pressing reason to part with valuable offensive line depth during a 3-3 season, so any discussions would largely depend on Bradford's return and the Seahawks' assessment of the right guard rotation afterward. A player moving back to a reserve role could become more available, especially if another team is willing to offer a valuable future draft pick.

For Los Angeles, the appeal of acquiring someone young enough to compete for a future starting role, while also improving the current line's overall performance, is significant.

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The Chargers need a different kind of deadline strategy

Los Angeles' current record makes the typical contender strategy difficult to support. Trading premium picks for veterans nearing free agency would only deplete the resources available for an offseason that could bring significant changes across the roster.

A complete fire sale also has its drawbacks, as quarterback Justin Herbert is still under contract, rookie Hampton is just starting his career, and several key defensive players are young enough to be part of the next competitive version of the team. Therefore, the trade deadline can serve as an opportunity to exchange short-term assets for draft capital while also exploring players whose positions have become crowded on their current teams.

General Manager Tom Hortiz has several weeks to determine how aggressively the Chargers should reshape the roster, but the 0-5 start has already diminished the incentive to pursue temporary fixes. Moves that add youth, contractual control, and competition for 2027 would provide the franchise with something more valuable than a desperate attempt to salvage a season that has already taken a downturn

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