JUST IN: Chargers GM Joe Hortiz breaks silence on Justin Herbert trade buzz
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday afternoon, Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz addressed the circulating rumors suggesting the team’s willingness to part ways with quarterback Justin Herbert before the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite the common belief that where there’s smoke, there’s fire, Hortiz clarified that there was no substance to these speculations regarding a potential Justin Herbert trade.
Hortiz emphasized that not a single inquiry or call was received about trading Herbert, with any loose questions raised at the combine swiftly dismissed. He asserted that there were no genuine discussions or interest from other teams in acquiring Herbert, as they were well aware of the Chargers’ stance and Herbert’s value.
Hortiz expressed bewilderment at the origins of these rumors, affirming that they did not stem from the Chargers organization, given the lack of communication on the matter.
The source of these rumors may have been linked to comments made by Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh regarding his former quarterback at Michigan, JJ McCarthy, during various interviews leading up to the draft. Harbaugh had praised McCarthy’s skills and predicted him as a top quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
While there was speculation that teams might try to trade up for McCarthy, the Chargers ultimately retained their 5th overall pick, selecting Joe Alt from Notre Dame, marking the beginning of the team’s rebuilding phase.
