Trading Justin Herbert makes absolutely no sense for the Los Angeles Chargers. Yet, after an embarrassing 0-5 start, the trade speculation has arrived, proving just how quickly recency bias can take over the NFL conversation.

Following Sunday's loss to the Denver Broncos, ESPN's Adam Schefter delivered a reminder of where the Chargers stand, revealing that an NFL executive shut down the idea before he could even finish his sentence. According to Schefter, trading Herbert has never even been discussed within the organization.

That should tell you everything. Herbert is not the problem in Los Angeles, and moving on from him would only distract from the much bigger issues plaguing this franchise.

Social media makes it easy to blame the quarterback when an offense struggles. No quarterback can consistently overcome an offensive line that has ranked roughly 29th-32nd in the NFL for two straight seasons, a depleted receiving corps, and a coaching staff that has failed to maximize his abilities.

Just look at what Herbert was working with against the Denver Broncos in Week 5. His top five pass catchers were unavailable, leaving him throwing to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Charlie Kolar, and Darius Davis, a player better known for returning punts. He also had four rookies starting along the offensive line. With both of his All-Pro tackles sidelined, what exactly are people expecting him to do?

Herbert has the arm talent and athletic ability to make spectacular plays, much like Josh Allen does for the Buffalo Bills. Allen routinely escapes pressure, extends plays with his legs, and uses his powerful arm to punish defenses. He proved it yet again Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams. I am not saying Herbert can replicate it exactly, but he can do similar things. The Chargers need to give him more opportunities to use those skills.

Instead, Herbert often appears confined to the pocket. He is operating within a system that prioritizes establishing the run and executing predetermined reads. Mike McDaniel arrived in Los Angeles with a reputation as an offensive innovator, but the results have been nowhere near good enough. Jim Harbaugh and McDaniel must find ways to adapt the offense to Herbert instead of expecting their franchise quarterback to succeed under circumstances that consistently work against him.

The Chargers are dealing with injuries across the roster, and their season is quickly slipping away. They could even trade other players before the deadline as they consider their future. But Herbert will not be among them. His contract runs through 2029 and includes a no-trade clause, giving him control over his future.

More importantly, Herbert has demonstrated the talent, toughness, and commitment required to be the face of a franchise. He has played through injuries and repeatedly carried an organization that has struggled to provide him with the necessary support. We are talking about the same-old Chargers here.

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One disastrous start to a season should not erase years of evidence about what he can accomplish with a competent supporting cast.

The Chargers probably will not make the playoffs this season, and serious questions must be asked about their coaching, roster construction, and offensive identity. But trading Herbert would be an attempt to solve the wrong problem.

Herbert will bounce back. The Chargers' responsibility is to finally build a team and offensive system worthy of his talent, rather than letting another disappointing season convince them to throw away their most valuable player.