Inglewood, CA — The Los Angeles Chargers entered the NFL trade deadline with a few chips on the table, but things didn’t pan out as expected. In what could have been a modest roster reshaping move, the Chargers found themselves empty-handed after a failed trade for wide receiver Josh Palmer, leaving the team with more questions than answers about their roster depth as they head into the second half of the season. Los Angeles didn’t seek a blockbuster move, but perhaps they should have as all trades exist on a rickety bridge that can fall apart from either side and even the middle in the Palmer situation. This assumed risk may lead the Chargers to have bigger eyes next time, feeling the effort is only worth moving the needle.
Josh Palmer Trade Falls Apart
The most significant storyline heading into the deadline was the attempted trade of wide receiver Josh Palmer. Palmer, once considered a rising star in the Chargers’ offense, found himself on the outside looking in after a turbulent offseason. After being drafted in the third round in 2021, Palmer was productive in his first three seasons, developing solid chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert. However, the Chargers’ wide receiver room grew crowded over the summer, with Quentin Johnston emerging as the team’s go-to option, along with other playmakers like DJ Chark and Ladd McConkey being brought in this previous offseason.
By the start of the 2024 season, Palmer had fallen so far down the depth chart that he became a healthy scratch for the first eight games. Reports surfaced of tension between Palmer and the coaching staff, which ultimately led to the decision to move on from him.
The Detroit Lions were the only team to bite, offering a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange for Palmer, a low-risk, high-reward move for the Lions, who needed depth at wide receiver. However, the trade hit a snag when Palmer failed his physical in Detroit. Reports indicate that his time away from the field had caused him to fall out of peak form, and the League office was forced to veto the deal. Palmer was subsequently released by the Chargers, leaving the team without any compensation and Palmer free to sign with any team as an unrestricted free agent.
“It’s a disappointing end for Palmer’s time in Los Angeles, for us and him, especially given his early promise.” Head coach Jay Cee addressed the situation briefly, stating, “Josh is a talented player, and we wish him the best moving forward. Sometimes things just don’t work out the way you expect.”
Aaron Robinson Signed to Bolster Defensive Depth
With Palmer’s release freeing up a roster spot, the Chargers opted to add depth to their defensive backfield, signing cornerback Aaron Robinson. Robinson, 26, joins a group of versatile backups that includes Rudy Ford, Kristian Fulton, Elijah Molden, and Ja’Sir Taylor. Robinson, a third-year player known for his length, athleticism, and ability to cover on the outside, will have a chance to compete for snaps in a crowded but uncertain secondary.
Robinson’s addition comes at a time when the Chargers are looking to solidify their defense for a playoff push. While the starting slot cornerback, Asante Samuel Jr., is locked in, the battle for backup or even starting outside is heating up as rookies Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart may be nearing the rookie wall. Robinson is expected to leapfrog Molden and Taylor on the depth chart, but how he fits into the defensive scheme alongside Ford and Fulton will be something to monitor in the coming weeks.
The Chargers’ defensive backs’ leader, hard-hitting safety Derwin James III, spoke about Robinson’s signing: “Aaron brings a lot of athleticism to our secondary, and we’re excited to see how he fits in with the group. We have a lot of guys competing, and the more depth we have, the better.”
However, Robinson is not guaranteed a long-term role. Like Ford, Fulton, and Molden, Robinson’s contract expires at the end of the season, and his performance over the next several games will likely determine whether the Chargers view him as a potential long-term asset or just a stopgap.
Other Potential Trades That Never Happened
While Palmer was the primary focus, the Chargers had several other players on the trade block, including right guard Trey Pipkins III, wide receiver Derius Davis, and safety Elijah Molden. However, none of those deals materialized, leaving all three in Los Angeles for at least the remainder of the season. Pipkins is signed through the 2025-2026 season, Davis is signed through 2026-2027, but Molden’s is up at the end of this season.
There were reports that teams inquired about other Chargers, but Los Angeles ultimately decided to hold onto everyone given the grueling reality of professional football. Pipkins stays the starting RG, valuable continuity as the Chargers have had 4 different starting offensive lines through the first 7 games. Molden, despite being in a crowded secondary, remains in the mix, on special teams and in dime defense. Derius Davis has been a valuable special teams contributor, returning a kickoff for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 3.
Perhaps the most intriguing near-trade was a discussion with the Chicago Bears about acquiring sophomore defensive tackle Gervon Dexter. Dexter, a highly touted prospect in 2023, had reportedly not impressed the Bears’ coaching staff this season, and the Chargers were interested in adding a potential up-and-coming star to their defensive line. However, when Los Angeles denied Chicago’s request to add a sixth or seventh-round pick in addition to the fourth-round pick they offered, the Bears’ front office lost their cool. According to sources, the negotiations soured after some harsh words from the Bears over the phone, and the Chargers chose to walk away rather than push for the deal.
In hindsight, Los Angeles’ decision to pass on Dexter may have been a missed opportunity. The defensive line has been inconsistent this season, and adding a young, high-upside player like Dexter could have given them a boost, now and in the future. But with their fourth-round pick still in hand, the Chargers will have more flexibility in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Looking Ahead: Chargers Eye Playoff Push Despite Missed Moves
With the trade deadline now about to be behind them, the Chargers must move forward with the roster they have. The team sits at 4-3 after a dominant win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 and faces a tough road test against the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. Despite the missed opportunities to add talent via trades, the Chargers remain focused on making a playoff run.
“We’ve got the pieces we need,” said quarterback Justin Herbert. “The guys in this locker room believe in each other, and we know what we’re capable of. We’re ready to make a run.”
The defensive secondary will be an area to watch, with Robinson’s arrival adding to the competition among the backups. The Chargers coaching staff will need to evaluate how best to deploy their defensive backs, especially as they prepare for matchups against high-powered offenses later in the season, rematches with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs loom large.
Ultimately, the Chargers’ failed trade deadline doesn’t diminish the talent they already have on the roster, but it does raise questions about whether they missed an opportunity to address some of their lingering needs on the defensive side of the ball. With seven games left to play and a potential playoff berth on the line, Los Angeles will have to prove that they have enough firepower and depth to make it through the final stretch.
As the Chargers head to Cleveland, the team knows that the margin for error is slim. While they may not have made any splashy moves at the deadline, their performance on the field will be the ultimate measure of success.
