As the NFL trade buzz ramps up, the landscape gains added intrigue with star players like Myles Garrett and Cooper Kupp expressing a desire to change teams. This paves the way for unexpected trades, including the tantalizing possibility of franchise quarterbacks like Justin Herbert becoming available. While a trade for Herbert from the Los Angeles Chargers may seem like a long shot, recent shifts in player movement—like Luka Doncic’s surprising departure from the Mavericks—remind us that anything can happen in professional sports.
When exploring potential destinations for Herbert, one team that stands out as a strong candidate is the Los Angeles Rams. The scenario would likely involve swapping Herbert for the Rams’ current starter, Matthew Stafford, along with several valuable draft picks. Here’s how the trade could potentially shape up:
Los Angeles Chargers Receive: QB Matthew Stafford, 2025 First Round Pick, 2026 First Round Pick, 2026 Third Round Pick
Los Angeles Rams Receive: QB Justin Herbert, 2025 Third Round Pick
Assessing the Prospects for the Rams
This proposed trade has some serious implications, especially for the Rams, who could find themselves with a young, dynamic quarterback in Herbert, who thrives in a well-structured offense. Under head coach Sean McVay, both Jared Goff and Stafford reached the pinnacle of the sport, with McVay leading Stafford to a Super Bowl title just a few seasons ago. A partnership with McVay could unlock even more potential in Herbert, providing the Rams with a quarterback capable of steering them toward sustained success over the next decade.
As Kupp potentially moves on, the Rams will need to recalibrate their offense around emerging talents like Puka Nacua while keeping other key playmakers in the fold. Shifting to Herbert could reinforce their competitive edge in an increasingly tight NFC landscape.
Looking at Stafford’s Role with the Chargers
From the Chargers’ perspective, acquiring Stafford would represent a strategic pivot. The former number one overall pick would have the chance to team up with head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is known for his offensive innovation. With the Chargers aiming to shift towards a more balanced offensive attack, Stafford’s experience and passing prowess could ease some burden off the ground game and help stabilize the offense.
While Stafford’s time is winding down, his performance—even in a season hampered by injury—suggests he still has ample talent to guide an offense effectively, especially with a well-rounded supporting cast. If the Chargers can improve on their recent struggles at the wide receiver position, including issues with drops and injuries, Stafford’s seasoned approach could be just what the team needs to elevate their performance and finally break through in the postseason.
In a league always on the lookout for the next big move, a trade involving a talent like Justin Herbert—or a seasoned veteran like Stafford—could reshape the narratives for both franchises. As always, the NFL is full of surprises, and as trade discussions heat up, fans and teams alike will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold.
