The Los Angeles Chargers have made it clear under new head coach Jim Harbaugh: they intend to build an offense rooted in physicality and a dominant ground game. With that in mind, it’s not surprising to see them surface in trade rumors for star running back James Cook. What is surprising, however, is that such speculation continues despite L.A. already possessing a formidable backfield duo.
Veteran Najee Harris, a steady if unspectacular workhorse, has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his four NFL seasons. He’ll likely open the year as the lead back. But the future belongs to Omarion Hampton, the team’s 2025 first-round pick, who profiles as the long-term RB1 in Harbaugh’s system.
So why James Cook?
The 25-year-old Cook, fresh off a Pro Bowl season in which he tallied a career-high 18 touchdowns, is reportedly at odds with the Buffalo Bills. Frustrated by the lack of progress on a contract extension—he’s said to be seeking around $15 million annually, which would rank third among NFL running backs—Cook skipped voluntary OTAs and has become increasingly “disconnected” from the team. Bills GM Brandon Beane has made it clear that no deal is imminent, opening the door for trade rumors to escalate.
Among the speculative landing spots? The Chargers.
Los Angeles Chargers Linked to James Cook — But Does It Make Sense?
Pro Football Network’s Hayden Victoria floated L.A. as a logical destination, citing Harbaugh’s power-run philosophy and Cook’s skill set as a dual-threat back.
“The Los Angeles Chargers, under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, are expected to take a more physical, run-heavy approach. Los Angeles drafted Omarion Hampton in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, but Cook’s mix of power and receiving skills fits the style Harbaugh wants in the offense.”
That may be true schematically, but practically, it’s harder to justify. The Chargers already have depth and youth at the position. Hampton’s development will be a top priority, and Najee Harris offers proven durability and pass protection—two traits highly valued in a Harbaugh offense.
If the Chargers are considering a splash move to bolster their offense, allocating significant capital toward a premium running back on the cusp of a major payday feels counterintuitive. A wide receiver to complement Justin Herbert might be a more sensible and strategic upgrade, especially as former first-rounder Quentin Johnston enters a make-or-break season.
Cook’s talent is undeniable, and his name will continue to circulate while his situation in Buffalo remains unresolved. But for a Chargers team that just invested in its future at running back, adding another high-cost backfield piece may not be a move rooted in roster logic—it might just be headline fodder.
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