Before the NFL Draft, two teams that picked quarterbacks in the first round had reportedly sought to trade for Justin Herbert.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, both the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings approached the Los Angeles Chargers with trade proposals for Herbert, but were rejected.
Chargers General Manager Joe Hertz disclosed that there were inquiries about Herbert during the NFL Scouting Combine, but those were swiftly dismissed.
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Herbert had previously signed a 5-year, $262.5 million extension with the Chargers. This was before the team appointed Jim Harbaugh as head coach, leading some to speculate that Harbaugh might consider a significant trade involving Herbert to draft JJ McCarthy, who played under him at Michigan.
Despite the rumors, the Patriots selected Drake Maye third overall, while the Vikings moved up to the 10th pick to draft McCarthy.
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah refuted claims of his team’s interest in Herbert, questioning the source of the rumor. Despite the speculation, Harbaugh’s high praise for McCarthy before the draft did not indicate any willingness from the Chargers to trade Herbert.