The Los Angeles Chargers have reached a critical point in their season where every decision carries significant weight. With the trade deadline fast approaching, speculation is mounting about whether the front office will make a bold move to acquire another proven playmaker. The team’s offense has flashed potential but has been plagued by inconsistency, creating a sense of urgency and intrigue around what might happen next.
Could the Chargers Target a Running Back to Fix Their Offensive Imbalance?
According to Josh Weil of PFSN, several high-profile names are expected to be in trade discussions as the deadline nears. One of the most notable is New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
Weil explains that while multiple players have already requested to be moved, many teams have been reluctant to act. Now, those front offices face a tough choice: decide if the players still align with their long-term plans or if trading them would better serve the franchise. He specifically points to Stevenson as a player whose future with the Patriots is uncertain.
This assessment reflects New England’s shifting roster priorities. Weil notes that Stevenson has performed well when he avoids turnovers, but with Treyveon Henderson already on the roster and talk of further additions, he may no longer be seen as a core piece. This situation raises the very real possibility that Stevenson could be available before the deadline.
Stevenson’s on-field production this season supports the idea that he still holds significant value. Based on PFSN’s RB Impact metric, he has an RB Impact Score of 63.8 for 2025, which lands squarely at the league average. He currently holds a D grade, ranks 43rd among running backs for the 2025 season, and sits 311th overall since 2013.
Through eight games, Stevenson has logged 83 rushing attempts for 279 yards, an average of 3.4 yards per carry. He has also added three rushing touchdowns and has been targeted 19 times in the passing game. While those numbers aren’t elite, they show a running back capable of handling volume and contributing in both phases of the offense, something the Chargers have lacked at times.
The financial side of a potential deal adds another layer of complexity. Stevenson is currently under a four-year, $36,000,000 contract that includes an $8,000,000 signing bonus and $17,116,000 in guaranteed salary. His annual average value is $9,000,000.
For the 2025 season, he is due a base salary of $ 2,750,000 and a workout bonus of $252,520. His contract carries a $5,543,696 cap hit and $12,652,520 in dead cap value. These contract details, paired with the Patriots’ potential willingness to make a change, make him a realistic trade candidate for a team interested in acquiring him.
For the Chargers, the decision ultimately comes down to a matter of fit and urgency. Acquiring a reliable runner who can absorb defensive pressure and complement the passing attack would reduce the burden on quarterback Justin Herbert, especially in high-leverage situations. Stevenson is not a guaranteed superstar, but the combination of his production, contract structure, and availability makes him a logical target for a midseason move.
If the Patriots truly believe Stevenson no longer fits their long-term build, and the Chargers feel he fills an immediate need, negotiations could escalate quickly. With the trade deadline just around the corner, this may be one of those rare situations where both teams could benefit more from making a deal than from standing pat.
