Chargers Explore Trade Down Options in 2026 NFL Draft

GM Joe Hortiz weighs moving out of Round 1 to stockpile more picks

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:46am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players, draft prospects, and team logos, conveying the complex decision-making process of an NFL draft trade.The Chargers' draft strategy aims to build roster depth through strategic maneuvering in the 2026 NFL Draft.Today in Pittsburgh

The Los Angeles Chargers are considering trading down from their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to a hypothetical scenario proposed by NFL.com's Eric Edholm. The potential deal would send the Chargers' 22nd overall selection, as well as a 5th-rounder and a 2027 3rd-rounder, to the New York Jets in exchange for three 2nd-round picks in 2026 and another 2nd-rounder in 2027.

Why it matters

The Chargers have just 5 picks in the 2026 draft currently, so moving down could allow them to add more selections and address multiple needs, including on both the offensive and defensive lines, at pass rusher, wide receiver, and in the secondary.

The details

Under Edholm's proposed trade, the Chargers would move from 22nd overall to the 33rd and 44th picks in the 2nd round, as well as the 103rd selection in the 4th round. They'd also receive an additional 2nd-rounder in 2027. The Chargers' GM Joe Hortiz has hit on several key draft picks in his first two years, and this deal could allow him to further build out the roster depth.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The players

Joe Hortiz

The Chargers' General Manager, who has had success in his first two drafts with the team.

Eric Edholm

An NFL.com writer who proposed the hypothetical trade scenario involving the Chargers and Jets.

Justin Herbert

The Chargers' franchise quarterback, who is entrenched as the team's starter and means they won't be targeting a QB early in the draft.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Eric Edholm, NFL.com Writer

What’s next

The Chargers will continue to evaluate their draft options over the next few weeks leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

By exploring a trade down from their first-round pick, the Chargers are demonstrating a strategic approach to the 2026 draft that could allow them to address multiple roster needs and add valuable depth, rather than focusing on a single high-profile selection.