The Los Angeles Chargers remained quiet during the recent NFL trade deadline despite widespread expectations that the team would act as sellers following an 0-8 start.
General manager Joe Hortiz addressed the team’s inactivity, noting that the offers received from other clubs were not compelling enough to warrant a move.
“I’ve been on the phone since Week 3 talking to teams,” Hortiz stated according to ESPN.
He pushed back against the narrative that the front office was reluctant to engage in discussions, clarifying that the threshold for moving players was set high.
“Would we consider something? Yes, but it would have to be a good package for us to move them,” Hortiz noted in an interview cited by Yahoo Sports.
The executive emphasized that the team was unwilling to part with core players who are considered long-term pieces of the franchise’s future.
Hortiz specifically identified several players who were off-limits, including Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Joe Alt, Derwin James Jr. and Tarheeb Still.
Despite the winless record heading into Week 10, the general manager expressed optimism regarding the team’s ability to recover during the current season.
“I feel like we can win this year,” Hortiz said in comments reported by Chargers Wire.
He acknowledged that the season has been difficult and noted that the team needs to secure better breaks in upcoming matchups to turn the momentum around.
The Chargers are scheduled to face the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night in their next attempt to secure their first victory of the year.
While the team entered the season with high expectations that have not materialized, the front office is now focused on positioning the roster for sustained success in future campaigns.
The Chargers currently remain the only winless team in the league as they prepare for the remainder of their schedule.