​Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesThe killer mistake Chargers must avoid at 2026 NFL trade deadline appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Los Angeles Chargers have reached a point where there should be no debate about what needs to happen before the 2026 NFL trade deadline. At 0-7, this season is a lost cause. General manager Joe Hortiz must stop trying to salvage a season that is going nowhere and start prioritizing the franchise’s future. The biggest mistake the Chargers can make is refusing to sell their veteran talent while there is still an opportunity to acquire valuable draft capital.Unfortunately, reports suggest Hortiz is reluctant to move players. Perhaps he genuinely believes this roster can turn things around. Or perhaps he understands that his own job security could be tied to the team’s ability to win games. Either way, trying to string together a few victories at this point would be a franchise-altering approach — I explain later.The Chargers are not one or two pieces away from becoming a contender, and pretending otherwise will only delay the necessary changes.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)Joe Hortiz must accept that this season is overThe Chargers have a difficult matchup against the Houston Texans on Sunday, a team they have struggled to beat for quite some time. Even if Los Angeles manages to pull off an upset, what does that accomplish? A single victory does not change the direction of this season or suddenly make the Chargers a legitimate playoff threat.Hortiz needs to recognize the bigger picture. He has generally been effective at identifying talent in the NFL Draft, but the Chargers have not translated that ability into a successful roster this season. The results have been disastrous, and the decision to hire Mike McDaniel has not produced the expected results for Justin Herbert. In fact, Herbert’s play has become one of the biggest concerns surrounding the organization.That is where the real problem lies. The Chargers cannot afford to waste another season of Herbert’s prime (take that word with a grain of salt) while trying to convince themselves that the current roster can compete. His development and long-term success must be the organization’s top priority. Every decision made at the deadline should reflect that.Khalil Mack and other veterans need to goJayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesTrading Khalil Mack should be the easiest decision Hortiz makes before the deadline.The veteran pass rusher remains a valuable player who could help a contending team strengthen its defense for a postseason run. The Chargers, meanwhile, have little reason to keep him on a roster that is going nowhere.I have already explained why a Mack trade makes sense for both sides four weeks ago. Los Angeles should take advantage of the interest in his services and acquire whatever draft compensation it can. Holding onto him for the remainder of a lost season would be a wa