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Offshoot Website Reconnects Vikings to Big QB Trade Theory
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- Offshoot Website Reconnects Vikings to Big QB Trade Theory
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The idea is not unique in the Minnesota Vikings ' orbit, but after the Los Angeles Chargers lost to the New England Patriots on Sunday night, one website decided that Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert could be a trade candidate sometime in the near future. Clutch Points' Bailey Bassett decided the Vikings could be a logical landing spot.
Herbert's name is clicky, and the Vikings always draw QB speculation, yet this one reads more like best-laid plans than an actionable path in the offseason.
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Of course, Herbert is unlikely to be traded this offseason , but another poor season outcome in 2026 might be a different story.
Justin Herbert Trade Theories to Vikings Are Out There — But They're Unlikely
A renewal of the Herbert-to-Vikings takes.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert releases a second-quarter throw against New England at Gillette Stadium, Jan 11, 2026, in Foxborough. The playoff snap reflected Herbert's command of the offense as Los Angeles pushed the ball downfield during a tight AFC Wild Card matchup, operating under pressure with timing routes and protection holding firm early. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Clutch Points on Herbert to MIN
Among a few ideas for Herbert's theoretical next team, Bassett mentioned Minnesota.
He explained , "A Justin Herbert trade to the Minnesota Vikings could work. The Minnesota Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in 2024. Through two seasons, injuries have limited him to just 10 games."
"The Michigan product and college national champion has plenty of potential, which is why the team chose him over retaining Sam Darnold . They may be regretting that decision, though. With a great defense and Justin Jefferson , one of the best receivers in football, on the roster, the Vikings are just a quarterback away from being a problem."
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Minnesota, indeed, finished 9-8 this season with bottom-of-the-barrel quarterback performance.
"McCarthy didn't do much this season to prove he has a bright future, but he was a top 10 pick not long ago, so perhaps the Chargers would be interested in taking on his development. Kevin O'Connell is a playcalling genius. With O'Connell's offensive mind, the Herbert-led Vikings' offense would become elite," Bassett continued.
"Herbert would surely break through to find postseason success in Minnesota."
Since Jim Harbaugh took over in Los Angeles two years ago, Herbert has lurked in the shadows of the Vikings' rumor mill, mainly because folks think Harbaugh would like to get his hands on McCarthy, his National Championship-winning quarterback at Michigan.
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Salary Cap Makes It Virtually Impossible
While virtually every Vikings enthusiast would be intrigued by a Herbert trade, the money is next to impossible this offseason.
For the Chargers to give up on Herbert — also unlikely — his team would need to eat over $72 million in dead cap funds if it traded him before June 1st. That's just not happening. It would be silly for a franchise to do that with a terrible quarterback, let alone a Top 8 talent in Herbert.
After June 1st, the math becomes reasonable. Los Angeles would be on the hook for $22 million in dead cap — not $72 million. Still, there's very little precedent for trading franchise quarterbacks in the summer. It's just not a thing.
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Herbert Needs to Change Course in Court of Public Opinion
The Chargers are 0-3 in the postseason with Herbert under center. He's performed abysmally in the playoffs, and his offensive line — on Sunday night especially — has done him no favors.
Los Angeles was missing its two starting offensive tackles, and it curiously didn't use Omarion Hampton much against New England . Herbert could not get going, and after his four-interception disasterclass in 2024, he changed his playoff perception none in 2025.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert goes through warmups at Gillette Stadium before facing the Patriots, Jan 11, 2026, in Foxborough. The pregame sequence showed Herbert dialing in footwork and timing ahead of the AFC Wild Card contest, with Los Angeles preparing for a hostile road environment and a postseason test against New England's defense. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Chargers are almost guaranteed to run it back with Herbert, but at some point, he could become disillusioned and ask for a trade.
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Other Herbert Destinations
Basset also mentioned the Las Vegas Raiders , Indianapolis Colts , and Arizona Cardinals in his article as trade destinations.
He noted on the Cardinals, "The Arizona Cardinals are set to move on from Kyler Murray this offseason. The former first overall pick has shown flashes of greatness, but he has been too streaky since being drafted. Herbert's production has been more consistent than Murray's, but it hasn't resulted in the Chargers winning playoff games."
"A change of scenery in which these two are swapped for each other could pay off for both teams. The Cardinals would have to include more assets, likely both in the form of players and draft picks, in order to flip Murray for Herbert. The Chargers could covet these new pieces, and the Cardinals would be more than happy to get a quarterback upgrade during an offseason in which they are already looking to replace Murray."
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert speaks with teammates following the game at Lucas Oil Stadium, Dec 26, 2022, in Indianapolis. The postgame moment captured Herbert's leadership presence after a dramatic comeback victory, as Los Angeles regrouped on the field and reflected on a late-season performance that reshaped the team's trajectory. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
And on the Colts: "Now, the Colts will likely again be looking for yet a new gunslinger. The rest of the roster is solid; the team simply needs a high-level quarterback. Herbert could be that guy."
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"With him under center, the Colts would have one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the NFL. Jonathan Taylor is one of the league's best running backs, and the team has a great receiving corps with tons of depth."
Herbert will turn 28 this offseason and ranked 16th among all quarterbacks in 2025 per EPA+CPOE . He's thrown over 20 touchdown passes in six consecutive campaigns since turning pro in 2020.
