Chargers fans debate whether team got it right at NFL trade deadline

Chris Roling | Nov 5, 2024

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Chargers fans seem to fall into two camps in the wake of the franchise’s inaction at the NFL trade deadline. 

The first thinks the Chargers should have made a move. The defense is elite, so is Justin Herbert—why not go make a smart win-now move to give the team a better chance to compete in a weak AFC? Especially when new general manager Joe Hortiz has been so great at building the roster? 

But the second leans into Hortiz’s strengths, too, pointing out that hoarding assets so he can keep making great high-upside, high-value moves is the best play. Some in this camp just flat-out don’t think the Chargers can compete for a title this year, either. 

Given the understandable divide, here’s a look at some of the best reactions from Chargers fans.

One fan wrote this: "Polite plea to Chargers fans: don't bury Hortiz for standing pat at the deadline. He WILL make deadline trades moving forward. This year, however, wasn't the best year to do so. This team isn't a move or two away from having a major impact on win totals. The biggest problems they have (IOL) need a couple acquisitions and a training camp to build chemistry."

Another wrote this: "People are overreacting to the Chargers not making a trade, this is a front office and Coach that knows what they're doing.. we just need to continue to get healthier. Relax."

More reactions:

Chargers aren’t a Super Bowl team this year. Better to save the picks to move up and down the board next year with a ton of cap space. Not fun but it’s the right move

— BoltLounge (AG) (@BoltLounge) November 5, 2024

And the @Chargers have traded for….. pic.twitter.com/qHSKx5JZIU

— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) November 5, 2024

Joe Hortiz’ first year as Chargers GM has been a massive success as far as I’m concerned. I wanted them to make a trade today too, but he deserves WAY more benefit of the doubt than some fans on here are giving him right now.

— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) November 5, 2024

Watching the Chargers just stand pat at the trade deadline… pic.twitter.com/cq1O7gEYjE

— SoCal Native™ (@yesitsNEIL) November 5, 2024

If the Chargers don’t make a trade before today then I wouldn’t be tripping. So far we are doing well with our current roster. It’s not a “Super Bowl” run by any means. I see what Harbaugh is trying to do and next year is looking promising.

— CHARLOWZ (@ChArlowkZ) November 5, 2024

Zero trade deadline moves. No wide receiver help. No interior O line help. I’m choosing to trust Joe Hortiz. He’s done alright so far. #Chargers #BoltUp

— Matthew Bacon (@MattLBacon) November 5, 2024

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