NFL fans propose blockbuster Justin Herbert-JJ McCarthy trade after Chargers loss - "Jim Harbaugh should totally do it"

The Los Angeles Chargers were eliminated from the NFL playoffs on Saturday. Starting their run at the AFC Wild Card, Jim Harbaugh's team was no match for the Houston Texans, losing 32-12 after a horrible performance by quarterback Justin Herbert, who threw four interceptions.

It was the second time Herbert featured in a playoff game, and once again, the Los Angeles quarterback was hugely disappointing. He was also on the losing end of a 2022 AFC Wild Card game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, which is most remembered by a 27-0 comeback by the Jaguars in the second half of that game.

After another individual performance to forget by Herbert, NFL fans started to think about scenarios where Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers can get rid of him. One of the options discussed was a blockbuster offseason trade with the Minnesota Vikings to acquire rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy:

"Jim Harbaugh is 100% shipping Herbert out and trading for his boy J.J. McCarthy, if Minnesota signs Darnold long-term", said one fan.

"I would not be surprised if Jim Harbaugh wanted to get out of Justin Herbert’s contract. It doesn’t make sense to have such a big quarterback contract on his offense. If he could trade for JJ McCarthy and trade Herbert he would", another said.

"Chargers should trade Justin Herbert. Then trade for JJ McCarthy from the Vikings. Give Jim Harbaugh an actual winner to work with. Herbert is overrated and never won anything", a third one said.

Can Chargers trade Justin Herbert for JJ McCarthy in 2025?

NFL fans can discuss the possibility, but this trade would never happen in the NFL. The Vikings have the luxury of a rookie contract with McCarthy, and if they do trade him, it will be for one reason only: to keep Sam Darnold, who excelled as their quarterback in 2024, on the roster.

Herbert has a five-year, $262.5M contract, which means that it would cost a lot for the Chargers to trade him and for the Vikings to acquire him. Even with two disappointing playoff losses, it's extremely unlikely that Harbaugh and the franchise would ever entertain a scenario to trade him.