The NFL trade deadline came and went.
The Los Angeles Chargers had an opportunity to be true sellers after a 0-8 start to the season, only to land somewhere closer to the middle.
Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers haven’t found much success during the 2026 NFL season, but there remains this sense of belief in each other.
That was on display again Tuesday with the decision to keep potential trade assets – such as quarterback Justin Herbert and outside linebacker Khalil Mack – on the roster.
The Chargers finished both the 2024 and 2025 seasons at 11-6, raising expectations that the team would be back in the playoff mix. Both of those players were around during that successful run and remain with the franchise to help make something out of the current
season.
While expectations of a playoff appearance have nearly evaporated, here’s why the Chargers likely decided to stay with their stars.
Why was Justin Herbert not traded?
Herbert could’ve been an attractive trade target for a few teams across the league, but a down season has tanked his stock and put him at the center of the Chargers’ struggles.
Herbert has completed 144 of 235 (61.5%) of his passes for 1,591 yards, six touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season. He's also been sacked 31 times. Herbert suffering a finger injury in the same game he was sacked eight times this past weekend didn’t help his stock much either.
Herbert's current contract would keep him with the Chargers through the 2029 season and includes a no-trade clause, according to Spotrac. If the team were serious about trading the quarterback, Herbert would’ve had a say in any potential destinations.
Khalil Mack remains with the Chargers
Mack was likely the Chargers' best trade asset, but he remains in Los Angeles.
Both Mack and coach Jim Harbaugh stated publicly that the outside linebacker wanted to remain with the Chargers, despite the lost season. Mack signed a one-year deal during the offseason to remain with LA. It is his third consecutive one-year deal with the Chargers.
While the coach has provided fairly vague answers regarding Herbert and the job security for his offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, Harbaugh provided a clear stance.
“I want Khalil Mack here,” Harbaugh told reporters earlier this month. “Khalil Mack wants to be here. He’s one of the pillars of our team.”
Mack shared a similar sentiment regarding the trade rumors and his desire to remain a Charger.
"They know how I feel, man," Mack said via The Athletic. "It's just tough with all the outside noise. And so, ultimately, I want to be here and help them win.
“Even though it's tough right now, you always see the light at the end of the tunnel."
Mack has 22 total tackles, three sacks and five tackles for a loss this season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Justin Herbert, Khalil Mack remain with Chargers after trade deadline
