The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a successful season in the viewpoint of many, but ended said season with a bitter defeat in Houston. One of the worst performances by an interior offensive line in recent memory is a big component in the loss, to the point where one of said starters is now riding the bench. What if the Chargers could trade the former starter for assets?
Chargers Possess A Valuable Trade Asset To Get Them Over The Hump
The Chargers currently have an obvious trade piece in Trey Pipkins, who is currently one of the highest-paid backup offensive linemen in the league. Trading Pipkins for another asset that can better help this team could very well be the key to unlock the safe that has the elusive Chargers playoff victory.
Pipkins has experience playing both offensive tackle spots and a season starting at guard for the Chargers. This four-spot versatility is of extreme value and should draw interest from teams looking to improve their offensive line. While Pipkins has been at best a slightly above average offensive tackle and at worst an unplayable starter (granted, this is before his development at the tackle spot), his interest could be varied.
A few obvious fits for the former third-round selection out of Sioux Falls are as follows: Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants.
Arizona Cardinals: Low Moving Cost For Trey Pipkins
Arizona Cardinals as a fit for Pipkins makes sense for all parties as it is a low moving cost for Pipkins, an easy upgrade for the Cardinals and an NFC team to trade to for the Chargers. The Cardinals are currently relying on the not-so-reliable Jonah Williams to start at tackle, coupled with the unproven Isaiah Adams to start at guard. Both of these spots need competition at the very least, and Pipkins would give that.
Trade Estimation: Cardinals Sixth Round Selection and 2027 Seventh Round Selection For Trey Pipkins
The Chargers in this trade will be able to recoup their lost 2026 seventh-round pick from the Elijah Molden trade, while gaining value in 2027. While the Cardinals don’t give up much for a possible starter at the valuable position of offensive tackle.
Seattle Seahawks: A Team That Needs Reliable Veterans
Staying in the NFC West, the Seattle Seahawks could also use an upgrade across the offensive line. As great as Abe Lucas has been on the field, staying on the field has been a very prevalent issue for the former Washington State tackle.
Beyond Lucas’ health, right guard is also in need of a veteran competition as both Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford have yet to prove they have true NFL skills. Either way, Pipkins is a perfect trade target for the Seahawks.
Trade Estimation: Anthony Bradford for Trey Pipkins
Pipkins will instantly fight for a starting spot for the Seahawks, while giving more versatility to this offense. The Chargers get Anthony Bradford, a former fourth-round selection who has yet to pan out in two NFL seasons, but will now be in this Chargers program to turn it around and compete across the interior offensive line.
New York Giants: More Options… The Merrier?
Lastly, the New York Giants are perennially looking for an offensive line. Pipkins may not be the smoking gun victory of an addition for the team, but adding his veteran presence to compete should be considered.
Whether it’s the unreliable Jermaine Eluemanor or the long-time veteran backup, Greg Van Roten, Pipkins could easily push these vets for their spot and give the Giants offense just a bit more juice for the 2025 season.
Trade Estimation: Giants Fifth Round Pick in 2026 For Trey Pipkins and Chargers 2026 Seventh Round Pick
A trade swap + Pipkins is in the best interest of the Giants, as they are trying to continue to build out their roster. As for the Chargers, the need for more star power will influence them to get a “better” dart throw in the 2026 NFL draft.
All in all, Pipkins being a trade asset gives the Chargers front office great flexibility in how they want to construct their roster for the current and future.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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