Jim Harbaugh is again in a dilemma, and this time, it’s about trade options. His return to the NFL as the new Los Angeles Chargers head coach wasn’t without issues, as he had to leave behind the successful Wolverines in Michigan, who won the last National Championship with an undefeated record. Now that that problem has settled, the salary cap issue with the Chargers provides another dilemma where he has to decide who to keep and who to let go. 

Known for his affinity for tried-and-true players and staff members, Jim Harbaugh might want some players from his National Championship lineup who declared for the 2024 NFL Draft to join him in LA. However, with the existing salary cap issue of over $21 million, the only way he can bring those players is to trade some of his current players. Check out the recent rumors about the Chargers trade options. 

Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers are open for trading

Recently, Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer reported the Chargers are open to trade because of their salary cap dilemma. According to his report on X, “The Chargers have had exploratory trade talks on OLBs Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and WRs Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.” The report further states that while the Chargers do not favor moving Allen, “they’re listening on all of them.”

The Chargers already have four players on the team with at least $32 million AAV, including the ones mentioned above. Rumors have it that the Chargers will likely pick WRs Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers with their first pick, so offloading one of their receivers seems sensible. However, speculations are in the air that they might not trade Allen, who is consistent in his entirety with the franchise. As far as the trading rumors go, more attention is paid to Williams, who is constantly plagued by injuries. Also, cutting one or more of these high-value players can allow Jim Harbaugh to draft some of his former Michigan players.

Potential Michigan players who might get drafted by the Chargers

It’s no secret that Jim Harbaugh wants to be surrounded by a winning team. His Michigan players are just fresh out of their National Championship victory, college football’s equivalent of the Super Bowl, which is what Harbaugh’s after. With more than 10 Wolverines in the 2024 NFL Draft, Harbaugh has a good range of choices except JJ McCarthy, as they do not require a QB right now.

READ MORE: Jim Harbaugh Eyes Under-the-Radar Michigan Prospects for Chargers in 2024 NFL Draft

Some of the players that Jim Harbaugh might want to bring to LA are RB Blake Corum, who played an integral role in the National Championship victory, finishing last season with 1,245 yards and 27 TDs, and Harbaugh’s poster boy Kris Jenkins, who accounted for 37 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Other potential prospects include CB Mike Sainristil, WR Cornelius Johnson, and TE AJ Barner.

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