The Los Angeles Chargers' nightmare season continued in Week 8 after a 24-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams dropped the franchise to 0-7. With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft within reach, could the ultimate prize be on the horizon?
As Justin Herbert and the offense continue to struggle under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, changes could be coming for the Bolts. Whether those changes involve the coaching staff or even the future of Herbert, the Chargers have some major decisions ahead.
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, general manager Joe Hortiz must also decide whether the Chargers should become sellers. But how far should a franchise that reached the playoffs in each of the last two seasons go in overhauling its roster?
Should the Chargers rebuild or reload around Justin Herbert?
Herbert has struggled this season, but he's only in his seventh year in the NFL and still looks like a top-10 quarterback when he's on his game. The Chargers also have solid pieces on both sides of the ball, which could make a complete roster overhaul unnecessary.
Currently holding the No. 1 overall pick, Los Angeles controls its own destiny when it comes to the 2027 NFL Draft. If the franchise decides to move on from Herbert, it could select one of the top quarterbacks in the class. If the Chargers stick with their franchise quarterback, why not give him the ultimate weapon?
The long-term decisions for Hortiz could begin with the coaching staff. McDaniel's future may be in question if the offense continues to struggle. Even head coach Jim Harbaugh, who led the Chargers to two consecutive playoff appearances, may face scrutiny if a roster with this much talent finishes with the NFL's worst record.
But before Los Angeles considers starting over at quarterback, it should take a serious look at what adding a generational talent could mean for Herbert.
Jeremiah Smith could be the ultimate prize for Justin Herbert
In our latest 2027 NFL Mock Draft, the Chargers select Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith with the No. 1 overall pick.
There is quarterback talent in this class, including Drew Mestemaker, Darian Mensah and CJ Carr, that could make moving on from Herbert a tempting option, especially if Los Angeles could acquire additional first-round picks in the process.
But the Chargers look more like a team capable of turning things around with a player like Smith than a franchise that needs to start completely over.
The biggest question for Hortiz is whether it's better to begin a new era with a quarterback like Mestemaker, who may need time to develop, or stick with Herbert in his prime and give him an outstanding weapon like Smith.
Yes, I know. A receiver alone isn't going to fix everything for the Chargers.
But Smith's arrival could help rejuvenate a quarterback who has spent much of this disastrous season hanging his head instead of lifting his arms in victory.
Herbert loves to sling the football around, and Smith gives him a target who is a terrific downfield threat. The Ohio State star can go up and get the football no matter where he is on the field, while his after-the-catch athleticism and physicality against cornerbacks make him a nightmare to defend.
And as much as Herbert needs a player like Smith, the nation's top wide receiver could benefit from playing with a gunslinger like Herbert.
So, Chargers fans, while the season looks lost and the future of the franchise is in question, that No. 1 overall pick could still deliver something special.
The biggest prize isn't simply landing Jeremiah Smith. It's giving Justin Herbert the kind of weapon he has been missing since the days of Keenan Allen and potentially bringing the best version of the Chargers' franchise quarterback back to life.
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