Recently, a Reddit suggestion involving Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has captured the attention of fans and critics alike. Here’s a deep dive into why the star quarterback remains a pivotal figure in Los Angeles, despite the whispers of an outlandish trade.
Los Angeles Chargers Unthinkable Trade Proposal
Amidst a significant transition for the Chargers, including key departures and the arrival of new head coach Jim Harbaugh, a Reddit user known as Slugginator put forth a trade idea that has been met with incredulity and amusement.
The proposal? Trading Justin Herbert, arguably one of the brightest young talents in the NFL, for three first-round picks and a chance to draft Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy.
The reaction was swift and unforgiving, as one commenter aptly summarized the community’s sentiment: “Every day we stray further from God’s light.” This phrase not only captured the absurdity of the proposal but also echoed a broader consensus that some ideas are better left unshared.
The Realities of NFL Management
Being an NFL general manager is a high-stakes job that combines strategy, foresight, and a knack for managing multimillion-dollar budgets.
For the Chargers, the notion of trading away a franchise quarterback like Herbert, especially after securing him with a five-year, $262 million extension that includes a full no-trade clause, borders on managerial malpractice. Moreover, the Chargers’ current salary cap situation makes such a trade even less feasible.
A quick reminder that at some point in Justin Herbert’s career Deandre Carter was his WR1 almost an entire season! pic.twitter.com/IQjE5QosFy
— Oliver. Pickled. (@OliverAHenzen) April 5, 2024
With approximately $31 million in cap space and numerous roster spots to fill, including upcoming draft picks, the financial implications alone would hinder the team’s ability to compete effectively.
The proposed trade, thus, would not only hurt the team on the field but also disrupt their financial stability, making it a double-edged sword of the worst kind.
Jim Harbaugh’s Commitment to Justin Herbert
Jim Harbaugh’s arrival in Los Angeles marks a new chapter for the Chargers, and while he has shown great admiration for his former quarterback at Michigan, JJ McCarthy, transitioning that collegiate success to the professional level is another challenge altogether.
Harbaugh’s praise for McCarthy is often seen through the lens of a mentor proud of his protégé’s growth rather than a precursor to drastic team changes.
In his discussions about the team’s future, Harbaugh has been clear about building around Herbert’s unique talents, which have already made him one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league.
The idea of creating a “Michigan West” at SoFi Stadium, while intriguing, does not align with the practical realities of NFL team building, where continuity and stability often trump wholesale changes.
Stability in the Spotlight
As the Chargers navigate through their transitional phase, the stability provided by a quarterback of Herbert’s caliber is invaluable. While the NFL’s rumor mill will continue to spin, sometimes propelled by nothing more than fanciful speculation, fans can rest assured that Justin Herbert’s place in Los Angeles is as secure as ever.
Herm Edwards’ advice of “Don’t press send” remains ever relevant, serving as a reminder that not all thoughts, especially those as outlandish as trading a franchise cornerstone, need to be shared with the world.
Source: fansided
