The Chargers weren’t as active as many thought they’d be before the trade deadline. Because of their 0-8 start, many predicted Los Angeles would become sellers at the deadline.
However, the Chargers and general manager Joe Hortiz stood pat, with their only trade ultimately rescinded.
After the deadline passed, Hortiz revealed why the team stood pat. He admitted the offers they received from other teams weren't enticing enough.
Hortiz also pushed back on the narrative that the Chargers were unwilling or reluctant to make a trade.
"I've been on the phone since Week 3 talking to teams," Hortiz said. "They've inquired about players' availabilities. I've said, 'Hey, this player, no, we're not trading.' Would we consider something? Yes, but it would have
to be a good package for us to move them. No one put together any packages that blew us away or that inspired us to continue."
Hortiz also said he feels the Chargers will turn things around, despite being the only winless team in the league heading into Week 10.
"I feel like we can win this year," Hortiz said. "I really do. It just hasn't gone our way ... we got to get the breaks to go our way."
The Chargers' next chance to get a win will be on Monday night when they take on the Ravens.
It's been a nightmare season for the Chargers. They entered the season with massive expectations, ones they haven't had in years. But none of them have materialized, and their chances of doing so this season are slim to none.
Hortiz also mentioned that teams were interested in some players whom the Chargers consider their core and long-term pieces.
"There were some players that you're just not going to trade," Hortiz said. "I'm not trading Justin [Herbert], right? No one ever called on Justin, but I'm not trading Justin. I'm not trading Ladd [McConkey]. I'm not trading Joe [Alt]. I'm not trading Derwin [James Jr.]. It's just not happening. Tarheeb Still, these players that have futures with us. And a lot of those guys, people didn't call on them."
The Chargers have essentially the same roster they entered the season with. With the 2026 campaign seemingly beyond saving, Los Angeles' priority now is to position the team for sustained success in the years ahead.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers GM Joe Hortiz reveals surprising trade deadline details
