Former Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms is doubling down on his belief that Justin Herbert's time with the Los Angeles Chargers is coming to an end—and he's even got the ideal next chapter mapped out.
During a recent appearance on Up & Adams, Simms told host Kay Adams that he can see the Chargers moving on from their franchise quarterback. When Adams floated the Minnesota Vikings as a potential suitor, Simms didn't just agree—he declared it a perfect match.
“You are a thousand percent right because he is perfect for the Vikings offense,” Simms said. “Perfect. Getting back there deep, let him get it all together and rip it down the field.”
Simms wasn't shy about dismissing other rumored landing spots either. He shot down the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins as realistic options, saying, “They're too far away and the Dolphins are too far away from everybody.”
It's been a tough season for Herbert, who's on pace for career-worst numbers in touchdown rate and interception rate while averaging just 187.4 passing yards per game. But context matters: just one year ago, he was a Pro Bowler and led the Chargers to an 11-5 record as a starter. That's why the Chargers aren't likely to pull the plug after a single rough campaign—even if the coaching staff gets desperate.
Herbert's contract also makes him nearly untouchable. He's not a realistic cut candidate, so any trade would require a team to absorb his massive deal and part with significant assets. That's a steep price, but as Terron Armstead's recent trade suggestion shows, the idea isn't as far-fetched as it might seem.
Still, the odds of a blockbuster are slim. The Chargers would more likely scapegoat an assistant or even head coach Jim Harbaugh rather than jettison their young signal-caller. But Simms isn't backing down from his prediction, and if the Vikings come calling, he thinks Herbert could thrive in their downfield attack.
For now, Herbert remains in L.A., but the whispers are growing louder. If the Chargers stumble again, don't be surprised to see trade rumors swirl around other stars too—though none may be as intriguing as Herbert's potential move to Minnesota.
