As the 2024 NFL Draft loomed, whispers swirled around the football world suggesting that the Los Angeles Chargers might entertain the idea of trading their star quarterback Justin Herbert.
These rumors, however, proved to be nothing more than smoke and mirrors, as Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz debunked them in a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Hortiz minced no words in dismissing the speculation, labeling it as “ridiculous.” He revealed that while there were some inquiries regarding Herbert at the combine, they were swiftly shut down, and there were never any serious discussions about trading away the Chargers’ franchise signal-caller.
“I had some loose questions at the combine about Justin Herbert that were quickly shut down. There were no real discussions about us ever trading Justin Herbert.”
In a candid moment on the show, Hortiz addressed the absurdity of the rumors, quipping that entertaining such a trade would have resulted in him becoming the shortest-tenured GM in NFL history. His humor underscored the implausibility of the notion and emphasized the steadfast commitment of the Chargers’ front office to Herbert.
The notion of parting ways with Herbert, who has emerged as one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league, was met with incredulity by many observers.
With his impressive arm talent, poise under pressure, and ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket, Herbert has quickly become the cornerstone of the Chargers’ offense.
Moreover, the idea of trading Herbert to select J.J. McCarthy with the fifth overall pick was deemed far-fetched by Hortiz. While McCarthy, a highly touted quarterback prospect, may have garnered attention, the Chargers’ brass remained firmly committed to Herbert as their quarterback of the future.
Hortiz’s remarks serve as a reality check amid the frenzy of pre-draft speculation. In the lead-up to the draft, media pundits often engage in conjecture and rumor-mongering to capture attention and generate headlines. However, Hortiz’s unequivocal denial of any discussions regarding a Herbert trade underscores the importance of distinguishing between genuine reports and baseless speculation.
Ultimately, the Chargers’ decision to retain Herbert comes as no surprise to those familiar with the team’s trajectory. Despite the allure of hypothetical scenarios, the Chargers are firmly focused on building around their young quarterback and capitalizing on his immense potential.
As the NFL Draft unfolds and teams make their selections, one thing remains abundantly clear: Justin Herbert isn’t going anywhere. And for Chargers fans, that’s reason to celebrate.
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