Chargers' healthy scratch could signal LA's top trade asset at NFL trade deadline

If the Los Angeles Chargers will sell anything at the upcoming NFL trade deadline, it almost certainly seems like it will be a veteran offensive player who can’t crack the lineup.

A week ago, onlookers noticed that tight end Will Dissly wasn't getting any playing time despite being absent from most injury reports.

Then, this week, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh admitted that Dissly was indeed a healthy scratch.

Granted, Dissly is on the injury report ahead of Week 9 and listed as questionable, but the damage has been done, or so to speak, on the idea of his availability via trade.

Will Dissly trade value if Chargers shop TE

Jim Harbaugh on if Will Dissly was a healthy scratch for TNF last week: "Yes."

Why?

"We felt the other four (TEs) fit that game plan better, and they were the healthiest, too."

So health was a factor?

"Yes."

Harbaugh said Dissly had an MCL injury earlier this year.
— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) October 30, 2025

Dissly isn’t going to draw much in the way of value on the NFL trade block ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. But he does have an out built into his contract after the season, otherwise he’s a $5.5 million cap hit in the final year of his deal in 2026.

Now 29 years old, Dissly underwhelmed last year in his debut with the Chargers, catching 50 passes for 481 yards and two scores over 15 games. He’s caught four passes in four games this season.

While veteran free-agent signing Tyler Conklin has been a bust for the Chargers, rookie Oronde Gadsden is one of the biggest breakouts of the entire 2025 draft class. If the Chargers can flip Dissly for a late-round pick or even depth in the secondary or along the offensive line, they’d be foolish not to jump at the chance.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

Sign Up For the Chargers Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Los Angeles Chargers Newsletter

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Tennessee's NFL trade deadline sale and top Chargers vs. Titans Week 9 storylines

Chargers' third-round rookie not getting headlines, but making huge impact midway through NFL season

Will this explosive Chargers player continue his fantasy football rise?

Chargers trade deadline shopping list includes 'home run threat' for Justin Herbert

Chargers could eat cap hit, trade for Vikings veteran to help Justin Herbert