The Los Angeles Chargers seem to be getting some things right under Jim Harbaugh. However, after back-to-back seasons ending in the Wild Card round, the team needs that extra pep to get over their playoff woes.
So far, the offseason has been relatively quiet for them, aside from the Mike McDaniel hire. Now, one analyst believes they could make a blockbuster trade to further bolster an already strong defensive front.
Los Angeles Chargers Lean Further on the Defense
For the Chargers, the summer has been mostly about the coordinator changes. Aside from bringing in McDaniel, they also had to part ways with Jesse Minter, their defensive coordinator, who is now the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
On the personnel front, though, the team has largely stood pat, expecting upgrades in the form of players returning from injuries. Stars like Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater were out for most of the year, with the latter injured for the entire 2025 season.
Their return should give their despondent offensive line a sizeable upgrade, and potentially set the stage for Justin Herbert to get over his playoff woes. However, since Harbaugh took over the head coaching ranks, the calling card in LA has been their defense.
Ranking inside the top-10 on PFSN’s Defense Impact Metric in consecutive seasons, they’ve become a stifling unit to better complement their superstar quarterback. But with the loss of Minter on the sidelines, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report has an insurance policy in mind.
Breaking down nine superstars that could become ideal trade candidates, he pegged the Chargers as a landing spot for T.J. Watt if the new-look Pittsburgh Steelers were willing to move on from a franchise legend.
The rationale behind the move would be rather simple. “Watt is also a highly paid 31-year-old coming off an injury-marred season where he posted just seven sacks, tied for the second-fewest of his career.”
Add in growing speculation among the local media in Pittsburgh, and the possibility of the former Defensive Player of the Year finding a new home becomes tangible. However, the asking price is where things get tricky, according to Davenport.
“To be clear, moving Watt for anything less than a first-round pick, even with his sizable contract, would be selling low. It is also fair to question whether the current version of the Steelers, even with Aaron Rodgers, profiles as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.”
But with Mike McCarthy taking over the head coaching ranks, it seems like a long shot that the Steelers can function as a contender. Last season, they were thoroughly blasted in the playoffs, and may have made it to the postseason only because of injuries to both Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow.
As a result, they could aim for a complete reset under McCarthy rather than trying to play the in-between game once again. And, Davenport believes they have one more ace up their sleeve that could make them open to moving on from an eight-time Pro Bowler.
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“Add in that the Steelers have an in-house replacement already on the roster in Nick Herbig, and maybe dealing Watt isn’t so ludicrous after all.” It remains to be seen if the Chargers would take such a risk on a 31-year-old.
But the upside with Watt is tremendous, and it could give Herbert extra support from the defense, especially if his playoff performances don’t improve dramatically next season.
