The Los Angeles Chargers could be in talks surrounding a quarterback late in the first round of this year’s draft. Not for their own benefit, but for a team looking to trade back in to select one. With the No.22 overall pick, the Chargers are in a prime position to trade out of their spot for a QB-needy team.
It was what happened last year, as the Chargers held the same pick as they do this time around. One team traded back into the first round for a quarterback, that being the New York Giants for Jaxson Dart. The Giants certainly called the Chargers to see if they’d be willing to move back, but after seeing Omarion Hampton still on the board, there was no chance.
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How about the other New York team calling the Chargers this year? Eric Edholm of NFL.com projected ‘win-win’ trade proposals ahead of the draft. He has the Chargers and Jets pulling off a four-pick swap that has LA moving out of the first round completely.
Chargers trade out of round 1 with Jets in proposed trade
Here’s a breakdown of the trade Edholm composed:
Jets receive:
2026 1st (No.22 overall)
2026 2nd (No.55 overall)
2026 4th (No.123 overall)
2027 3rd
Chargers receive:
2026 2nd (No.33 overall)
2026 2nd (No.44 overall)
2026 4th (No.103 overall)
2027 2nd
So in this case, the Chargers move back 11 spots and also gain an extra second-round pick.
“If the Jets want to draft Alabama QB Ty Simpson and address other weighty issues, they might have to trade back into Round 1 for a third first-rounder,” Edholm wrote. “Right now, the Jets own Nos. 2 and 16, and they’re loaded for next year, too, possessing three first-rounders in 2027. Even if they must jump on Simpson earlier than they want, I think they’ll still be anxious to land two more immediate contributors up high. Let’s say they take Arvell Reese at No. 2; attacking receiver (or another defensive spot) makes sense, either at 16 or (if they draft Simpson there) at 22. Because the Jets lack a third-rounder this year, they send a second in 2027 over in this mock.”
Jim Harbaugh | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Seeing as how the Chargers have just five picks in this year’s draft, it’s interesting they end up with the same amount after this trade. One would have to think they’d want at least some type of gain in a trade with the Jets.
“The Chargers could find similar players at 33 as they would at 22. There is additional value in having a chance to restack the board, let trade offers roll in and collect an extra night’s sleep before Round 2 begins. The Bolts have just five picks currently, and their biggest needs (on both sides of the line, plus at pass rusher, receiver and DB) just happen to match this draft’s relative strengths.”
Still, having two picks 11 spots away from each other in the second round sounds amazing for a Chargers team looking to fill some holes immediately.