Chargers send Justin Herbert to Patriots

The 2024 NFL draft will be the moment when months of preparation meets opportunity for the New England Patriots.

There are a number of different ways the draft board could fall. Caleb Williams going to the Chicago Bears is about as sure of a lock as it gets. But things get a bit more uncertain when the Washington Commanders are on the board at No. 2.

Everyone knows they need a quarterback, but the real mystery is who they take and how it impacts the rest of the draft. There was an earlier report that the Commanders could be leaning towards drafting Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, which would put the Patriots in a position to choose between Maye and Daniels.

But what if Washington passes on McCarthy and takes Daniels or Maye instead? That would put McCarthy within reach of multiple teams that could be interested in trading up for him. This is the scenario where things could get the craziest.

The Minnesota Vikings have two first-round draft picks to play with as trade bait, and if they like a prospect enough, they might even be willing to tack on more for a big move. There’s also the New York Giants, who must be growing tired of the Daniel Jones Show at this point.

Then there’s the Los Angeles Chargers with newly-hired coach Jim Harbaugh, who has a chance to reunite with the quarterback that helped him win his first national championship at Michigan. Harbaugh called McCarthy the best quarterback on the draft board. Is he good enough for the Chargers to send Justin Herbert and the fifth overall pick to the Patriots in exchange for the third overall pick?

We’re exploring a potential blockbuster trade scenario in the latest seven-round 2024 NFL mock draft:

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 29, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Chargers trade quarterback Justin Herbert and their 2024 first-round draft pick (No. 5) for the Patriots’ first-round pick (No. 3). Harbaugh, who has been signing McCarthy’s praises, would be getting a quarterback he’s familiar with on a rookie contract. With Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler gone, the Chargers could be considering a reboot.

The Patriots, on the other hand, get a talented young quarterback and a premium draft pick to add a major offensive weapon.

Nov 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin…