Justin Herbert

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: LAC.

Quick Facts

• Position: QB
• Team: LAC (Los Angeles Chargers)
• Bye week (2026): 7
• FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 67

2026 Outlook

Herbert gets a potential lifeline with the addition of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. McDaniel's track record as a play-caller should help Herbert, the most talented QB he's worked with, finally get the run game functional and set up easy passing opportunities. Concerns remain about the Chargers' interior O-line depth (per NFL 2026 Offseason Power Rankings: The Rams Jump the Seahawks). Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes Herbert could make a run at MVP in 2026 under McDaniel, predicting the Chargers offense will average 25 PPG (up from 20.6 last year)—positioning Herbert well for statistical breakout (per Senior NFL Writer Makes Bold Claim About Chargers' Mike McDaniel).

McDaniel's outside-zone running scheme and emphasis on spacing concepts in the passing game directly suit Herbert's skill set. Unlike Harbaugh's possession-based approach, McDaniel orchestrates explosive plays through route spacing and yards-after-catch creation (evident in his Dolphins tenure, when Miami generated explosive plays despite limited receiver talent). With new targets like speedster Brenen Thompson (4th round) and Swiss-Army-knife RB Keaton Mitchell added for versatility, Herbert has the complementary pieces to execute McDaniel's system effectively (per Chargers' Mike McDaniel move has NFL execs buzzing about Justin Herbert). NFL executives specifically praised the hire as "a great offense for Herbert," suggesting the coaching change could be the catalyst his career has needed.

May 27 update: Chargers' "dream scenario" for 2026 centers on Herbert finally getting both star tackles (Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater) healthy for a full season. Both missed significant time in 2025, with Slater out entirely and Alt appearing in just 6 games. Interior line reinforcements with Tyler Biadasz, Cole Strange, and Jake Slaughter (2nd round) aim to prevent 2025's interior collapse. If both tackles return and scheme works, Chargers could contend for AFC West for first time since 2009 (per Chargers fans will be hoping this dream 2026 season scenario plays out and Jim Harbaugh gives Chargers hope for 2026).

May 28 update: Herbert faces three daunting road tests in 2026: Week 4 at defending champion Seattle (after cross-country travel from Buffalo), Week 10 at Baltimore (Jesse Minter revenge game—the coach practiced against Herbert for two years and understands his tendencies), and Week 18 at Denver (potential AFC West decider with playoff implications). These matchups pit Herbert against elite defenses, though McDaniel's offensive scheme should generate easier reads and run-game support (per 3 toughest road games on the Chargers' 2026 schedule).

June 1 update: McDaniel is deploying a heavy 13-personnel scheme (3 TEs on field) similar to Sean McVay's Rams approach, which ran it 30.5% of the time in 2025. The Chargers' tight end trio—David Njoku, Oronde Gadsden II, and Charlie Kolar—should create a schematic nightmare for opposing defenses. In the red zone, where the Rams used 13-personnel 36.76% of the time (vs. league avg of 6.72%), this grouping could unlock the Chargers' struggling red-zone efficiency (per Observations from Chargers OTAs: Mike McDaniel May be Borrowing from Sean McVay, Rams).

June 8 update – Defensive stability: The Chargers' defense under coordinator Chris O'Leary projects as a top-10 unit in 2026, providing Herbert with a strong safety net of field position. A zone-heavy scheme that limited opponent yards, pass defense, run defense, and points-allowed across all categories in 2025 should keep games close. Key defensive moves—adding first-round DL Akheem Mesidor, defensive stalwarts Teair Tart, and edge rusher trio Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipiulotu, and Odafe Oweh—give Los Angeles balance on both lines. With a complete defensive unit and no major holes, the Chargers can credibly compete as Super Bowl contenders if Herbert executes McDaniel's system, reducing pressure for heroic offensive performance on every drive (per Chargers' greatest defensive strength could clear their path to Super Bowl contention).

All-Pro candidate in 2026: PFF projects Herbert as a first-time All-Pro candidate. Despite playing behind the league's lowest-graded offensive line in 2025 with a WR corps ranked 20th in PFF receiving grade, Herbert ranked 10th in overall PFF grade (78.0) among qualified QBs and posted a 2.6% turnover-worthy play rate (5th-lowest). His 90.6 PFF passing grade since 2021 is fourth-best among all QBs, making his lack of All-Pro selection surprising. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt both returning healthy and Mike McDaniel's system in place, the circumstances are "diametrically different" in 2026, and "the cards may finally fall into place" for an All-Pro season. (per 10 NFL players who could become first-time All-Pros in 2026)

June 16 update – Minicamp footwork changes: McDaniel is already showing measurable mechanical improvements with Herbert. He's shifted his shotgun stance from right foot ahead to left foot slightly in front—a subtle but fundamental change that facilitates quicker releases. McDaniel targets under-2.4-second delivery windows (where Herbert has been effective historically), and the pair have achieved "better mesh than expected" over just a few months. Minicamp will provide the first real-game test of how far Herbert's mechanics have evolved under McDaniel's guidance, setting up a strong 2026 if foundation improvements hold (per 2026 Chargers minicamp: Herbert's progress, contract intel).

June 17 minicamp – Harbaugh's public endorsement: Coach Jim Harbaugh offered his most enthusiastic public assessment yet, comparing Herbert intellectually to Mike McDaniel and saying both operate "at a different level" from himself. Harbaugh stated the more they work together (eight weeks as of mid-June), the better the partnership becomes, explicitly saying "we're in good shape" with Herbert running the offense. During the first minicamp practice, Herbert threw but was held out of team periods (7-on-7), a conservative approach suggesting Chargers are managing his workload carefully. This confidence from Harbaugh—having worked with Hall-of-Famers Jim Kelly, Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers, and Andrew Luck—carries weight as Herbert's biggest public advocate at the organizational level (per Oregon Quarterbacks Surprise At NFL Minicamp With Injury, Coach Updates).

June 18 minicamp progress – Mechanical refinement visible: McDaniel is engineering specific footwork changes with immediate impact. Herbert's shifted his shotgun stance from right foot ahead to left foot slightly in front—a fundamental adjustment that facilitates quicker releases and cleaner mechanics. McDaniel's target of under-2.4-second delivery windows aligns with Herbert's historical effectiveness. After just a few months working together, both describe their "mesh" as "better than expected," signaling the coaching pairing is accelerating faster than typical offseason transitions. Minicamp will show whether these mechanics hold in competitive 7-on-7 and team drills (per 2026 Chargers minicamp: Herbert's progress, contract intel).

June 18 offseason update – Intentional footwork rebuild: McDaniel is taking extreme measures to retrain Herbert's mechanics, temporarily removing him from throwing drills during parts of the offseason program. The approach mirrors what Tom Brady adopted in 2007 (50-TD season) and Brett Favre used throughout his HOF career: leading with the non-dominant left foot rather than the right-handed passer's natural right-foot-forward setup. McDaniel has studied this technique since his time with Kyle Shanahan in Houston (2007), noting potential advantages for timing and release. The bold step of benching Herbert from throwing to focus purely on footwork signals organizational conviction that mechanical improvements are the prerequisite to offensive explosion in 2026 (per 2026 NFL Offseason Buzz: Chargers Adjusting QB Justin Herbert's Footwork)

AFC West case for Chargers (June 22): The division outlook frames Herbert's situation as a pivotal fork. McDaniel's quick-passing attack should reduce hits Herbert absorbed under Harbaugh's possession-based system, but he'll need to adjust to the scheme's demands. The offensive line improvements (Tyler Biadasz, Cole Strange, Jake Slaughter at 2nd round) and Keaton Mitchell's addition for scheme fit are "strokes of genius" if both star tackles (Joe Alt, Rashawn Slater) return healthy—unresolved at this point. The case against: Unknown variables on whether Slater and Alt return at full health, how quickly Herbert adapts to McDaniel's scheme, and whether defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary can maintain last year's top-5 unit without departing coordinator Jesse Minter. Chargers have "no glaring roster hole" but must prove coordinator changes overcome past underperformance (consecutive AFC West runner-up finishes, quick playoff exits). (per AFC West in 2026: Case for/against the Broncos, Chargers, Chiefs and Raiders to win division).

August 3 NFL.com Top 100 ranking: Herbert makes his 6th consecutive appearance on the annual NFL.com Top 100 Players list, ranked 39th overall—the second-highest placement of his career. The ranking acknowledges his 2025 toughness playing through a fractured left hand while facing league-high 263 pressures. He ranked 9th in passing yards (3,727) and tied for 7th in touchdowns (26) while adding a career-high 498 rushing yards (2nd among QBs). Khalil Mack praised his "tenacity and grit and resolve," calling him "the most unique person I've seen at that position" in his 12-year career. The ranking reflects optimism around Year 3 under Jim Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel's offensive system (per Justin Herbert Ranked 39th, Makes 6th Consecutive NFL Top 100 List Appearance - Los Angeles Chargers).

August 19 offensive line challenges resurface: Just as the Chargers felt confident about their offensive line health entering training camp, injuries struck again. Center Tyler Biadasz suffered an ACL tear and additional knee damage in a joint practice and was carted off, putting him out indefinitely after signing a three-year, $30M deal to fix the line. Left tackle Rashawn Slater experienced a "flare up" in his surgically repaired knee and missed over a week of practice. Herbert, who was pressured on a league-leading 29.8% of dropbacks in 2025, now faces uncertainty about his protection heading into the season. Backup center Jake Slaughter (second-round pick) will likely replace Biadasz and has been working at guard, further disrupting line depth (per Chargers' bad luck continues as offensive line injuries threaten their season again).

August 18 preseason center injury: Tyler Biadasz, the veteran center signed to fix the interior O-line, suffered a left leg injury in joint practice with the 49ers. McDaniel's offensive scheme requires exceptional center-QB synergy for pre-snap motion and zone running. The Chargers have backup Jake Slaughter (2nd round) but a rookie taking over would put significant pressure on Herbert early in the season (per Tyler Biadasz injury: Chargers center carted off)

August 19 offensive line crisis revisits: The Chargers' O-line health collapsed again, threatening the optimistic 2026 outlook. Biadasz is out indefinitely with ACL damage, Rashawn Slater (LT) suffered a "flare up" in his surgically repaired patellar tendon and missed over a week of practice, and Joe Alt (RT) is still recovering from 2025 ankle injuries. This returns Herbert to the 2025 scenario where he led the NFL in pressures (29.8% pressure rate). The McDaniel system depends on O-line stability to execute quick-passing and spacing concepts. If both star tackles don't return fully healthy, Herbert's ceiling is significantly constrained despite the coaching upgrade (per Chargers' bad luck continues as offensive line injuries threaten their season ... again).

Harbaugh's bold prediction (Sept 12): Coach Jim Harbaugh made his most audacious public statement yet on The White House with Michael Irvin, stating Herbert will be "the greatest quarterback ever to play the position" when his career ends. Harbaugh framed it as his "Babe Ruth pointing at centerfield" moment, predicting posterity will recognize Herbert as the GOAT. Currently 28 and entering Year 7, Herbert has yet to win a playoff game, earn All-Pro, or win MVP—metrics that would typically support such a claim. The prediction underscores Harbaugh's conviction in Herbert's potential under McDaniel's system, though executing on such a projection requires immediate on-field results in 2026. (per Jim Harbaugh: Justin Herbert will be remembered as the greatest quarterback ever)

Week 1 milestone chase (Sept 13): Herbert sits 180 passing yards from reaching 25,000 career yards—a milestone that would make him the fourth-fastest QB in NFL history to reach it. He'd achieve it in 96 games, behind Patrick Mahomes (83 games), Matthew Stafford (90 games), and Dan Marino (92 games). The historic context underscores Herbert's efficiency as a passer despite playing on non-playoff teams for much of his career. Reaching the milestone Sunday against KC would cement his standing among the league's elite arm talents and underscore his value as a franchise QB under McDaniel's system. (per Justin Herbert needs 180 passing yards to be fourth-fastest to 25,000)

Training camp verdict: Chargers offense worthy of hype (Aug 6): After observing Chargers practices from July OTAs through early August camp, McDaniel's system shows real promise. Herbert's supporting cast—tight end Charlie Kolar (former Raven, proven blocker with elite athleticism), second-year RB Omarion Hampton (on pace for 60+ targets, 300+ total touches before 2025 injury), and versatile receivers like Ladd McConkey—provides the "offensive depth any other team would covet" in McDaniel's multiple, motion-heavy scheme. The play-calling is intentional and creative: one illustrative play featured McConkey streaking up the seam after Njoku's slot motion forced the defense to show coverage, with the ball in the air before the secondary could react. Herbert's execution has been precise—one red-zone segment saw him complete eight straight passes, identifying every broken coverage and out-of-sync defender. If the injury luck holds on the offensive line (Joe Alt, Rashawn Slater returning healthy), the Chargers could be AFC West contenders and potentially the top team in the AFC. Herbert's ceiling under McDaniel's system is exceptionally high (per The Most Important Story Lines of NFL Training Camp (So Far))

Week 1 loss and sack crisis (Sept 19): The Chargers' disappointing 0-1 start—losing handily to Arizona, a team expected to finish near the bottom—has reignited concerns about Herbert's protection despite McDaniel's scheme changes. Herbert has been sacked 228 times since 2020, more than any other QB in the NFL, including three sacks in the Week 1 loss to Arizona. One drive featured a critical breakdown where three blockers converged on a single defender, leaving two Cardinals free to rush Herbert unblocked. McDaniel's quick-passing system was designed to reduce sack rates through faster reads and decision-making, but execution gaps in blocking assignments have already surfaced. The gap between preseason optimism and Week 1 reality underscores that scheme alone cannot overcome blocking breakdowns, a persistent issue that threatens Herbert's fantasy upside even if his passing statistics remain strong. (per Is it too early to panic in the NFL? These teams don't want to find out - nbcnews.com).

Week 2-3 buy-low window (Sept 21): Despite disappointing Week 1-2 starts (192 passing yards, 2 INTs, 3 fumbles in Week 2 alone), Herbert's fantasy price tag has crashed due to negative recency bias. Fantasy managers are panic-selling him at discount rates, but the underlying talent and McDaniel's system remain intact. Herbert likely has talent to execute McDaniel's playbook if blocking improves, and managers fleeing the position are underselling a QB with clear upside if the Chargers' offense finds rhythm after early-season adjustments. (per Fantasy football buy, sell: Eight trade candidates for Week 3 - USA Today).

Week 2 loss to Raiders (Sept 21): Herbert was outdueled by 38-year-old Kirk Cousins in a 26-14 loss to Las Vegas despite being billed as the sixth-best QB in the league. He completed 15 of 27 passes for 1 TD and 2 INTs while taking 3 sacks, posting just 7.1 yards per attempt vs. Cousins' 8.7. The Chargers went 0-2 to start the season against Arizona (third-worst team) and Vegas, raising urgent questions about whether the McDaniel system can overcome fundamental execution gaps. Herbert's supporting cast continues to fail him: David Njoku bobbled an underthrown pass into an interception, receivers dropped wide-open balls, and the pass protection—despite McDaniel's supposed efficiency gains—still left him exposed. Harbaugh's bold prediction that Herbert will be the "greatest quarterback ever" now looks premature given the 0-2 start and inconsistent performances. Fantasy managers should exercise caution despite the buy-low narrative (per Justin Herbert has been the quarterback of tomorrow his entire NFL career. Whose fault is that?).

Broader concerns about team execution: The Week 2 collapse raises fundamental questions about whether the coaching and scheme changes matter if the roster and blocking can't execute. Herbert remains one of the league's most talented arms, but his role as "quarterback of tomorrow" for nearly a decade—with consistent underperformance relative to projections—points to systemic organizational issues beyond his control. Tight end David Njoku's hands and the receiving corps' drops are recurring themes, suggesting talent-evaluation or supporting-cast depth problems. Still unresolved: whether McDaniel's system can click by mid-season, or whether this is another false-dawn year that derails fantasy value despite the initial optimism (per Justin Herbert has been the quarterback of tomorrow his entire NFL career. Whose fault is that?).

Post-Week 2 systemic questions (Sept 21): After losing 26-14 to Vegas with Herbert outdueled by 38-year-old Kirk Cousins, the narrative shifted from early-season struggles to systemic concern. Herbert completed 15 of 27 for 1 TD, 2 INTs with 3 sacks (7.1 yards per attempt vs. Cousins' 8.7), while the receiving corps continued their pattern of drops and miscommunications. David Njoku bobbled an underthrown pass into an INT, and receivers cut off one another on critical plays. The Chargers' O-line protection—supposed to improve under McDaniel's quick-passing scheme—still failed Herbert repeatedly. NFL decision-makers view him as roughly sixth-best in the league but question whether he has enough accolades at 28 years old. The tension between Herbert's elite talent and the team's inability to support or maximize it remains the central narrative as the team sits 0-2 (per Justin Herbert has been the quarterback of tomorrow his entire NFL career. Whose fault is that?)

Week 5 fire-sale context (Oct 12): The Chargers' 0-5 record heading into Week 5 has sparked league-wide speculation about a potential trade deadline fire sale. While Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz are known for player loyalty, the team faces relentless questioning about whether they'll trade key pieces (Quentin Johnston, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Charlie Kolar, Keaton Mitchell) for draft capital before the Nov 10 deadline. The remaining schedule is brutal—Kansas City, LA Rams, Houston Texans ahead of the bye—making an 0-8 record before the deadline realistic. Herbert's fantasy upside is now inextricably tied to potential roster turnover and organizational direction (per NFL Rumors: Los Angeles Chargers May Take Surprise Approach to 2026 Trade Deadline).

Oct 13 — Trade denial from organization: Adam Schefter reported that the Chargers have explicitly denied any discussion of trading Herbert despite the 0-5 start. An organization employee confirmed to Schefter that they have "never once discussed trading Herbert, and they never will." The denial signals organizational commitment to Herbert as the franchise QB, though Schefter noted this stance could change depending on how the remainder of the season unfolds. Herbert's $262.5M, five-year extension gives the team limited trade flexibility regardless. (per Chargers Have Never Discussed Trading Justin Herbert)

Week 5 outsider status (October 8): CBS Sports published a detailed statistical analysis concluding Herbert is NOT a top-10 QB in the NFL. Using EPA per dropback (the advanced metric most predictive of QB value), Herbert has ranked outside the top 10 for five consecutive seasons (2021-2025), with his 2026 season ranking 21st. The article compares Herbert's career trajectory to Trevor Lawrence—both talented but inconsistent—and notes that Herbert has never won a playoff game through six seasons. The Chargers' 0-4 start deepens the critique. While Herbert remains one of the most talented arms in football, his inability to elevate struggling teams or win in playoff scenarios, combined with poor surrounding talent and injury-plagued offensive line, places him squarely outside the elite tier despite early-career hype. (per Is Chargers' Justin Herbert 'elite'? He is NOT even one of the 10 best quarterbacks in the NFL - CBS Sports).

Week 3 trade window (Sept 21): Fantasy managers fleeing Herbert due to his poor recent performance (192 yards, 2 INTs, 3 fumbles in Week 2) are creating a buy-low opportunity. His talent and the McDaniel scheme remain intact, and the underlying situation hasn't deteriorated—just execution needs to improve. Early panic-selling means his price tag is cheaper than his upside warrants, assuming the Chargers' offense eventually finds rhythm (per Fantasy football buy, sell: Eight trade candidates for Week 3 - USA Today).

Week 3 pivotal matchup vs Buffalo (Sept 26): Herbert faces make-or-break circumstances in Week 3 against the Bills. Despite being massive underdogs, the Chargers' team total projects at 21.5 points—higher than the Broncos, Buccaneers, and Patriots. Buffalo's defense ranks 28th in EPA per dropback allowed and has faced the fifth-most pass attempts through two weeks, creating a potential matchup advantage. The high-scoring game environment (50.5-point total) and weak Bill secondary provide the optimal conditions for Herbert to break his early-season slump. If the Chargers offense doesn't click Week 3, the outlook for a salvaged fantasy season dims considerably (per NFL 2026 Week 3 Start 'Em Sit 'Em: Do or die for Justin Herbert and Oronde Gadsden).

Week 4 tough road matchup vs Seattle (Oct 1): Herbert faces adverse circumstances in Week 4 traveling to Seattle, a defending Super Bowl champion with an elite defense. His early-season struggles—just one touchdown and seven turnovers through three games—combined with declining deep accuracy raise serious fantasy concerns. Playing on the road after cross-country travel and facing a championship-caliber defense is an "all the elements align poorly" scenario. The Bills just held Herbert to 226 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception, and it's "hard to imagine him looking much better on the road" against a significantly stronger Seahawks defense. Analysts recommend sitting him in Week 4 as he attempts to rebuild his shaken confidence (per Start 'Em, Sit 'Em quarterbacks for Week 4 fantasy football).

Trade speculation amid 0-2 start (Sept 24): After the Chargers' 0-2 start through Week 2, speculation emerged about potential Herbert trade destinations before the Nov 10 trade deadline. Potential landing spots include Miami (if Willis fails immediately), Washington (if Jayden Daniels' injury issues persist), New York Jets (with trade capital available), Tennessee (if Cam Ward disappoints), Arizona, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Houston, New York Giants, Minnesota, and Atlanta. While the Chargers are unlikely to actively shop Herbert, the poor 0-2 start amid McDaniel's scheme hype has created a narrative that trades are possible if deterioration continues (per 11 Justin Herbert Trade Landing Spots After NFL Rumors Emerge).

Injury Status

No QB injuries reported. However, Week 1 saw WR Ladd McConkey (primary target) leave the game with a rib injury, threatening Herbert's receiving options moving forward. (per Chargers Falling Apart: Offense Takes Massive Hit, Loses Star to Injury Late)

Recent News

• 2026-10-10 — NFL Trade Rumor: $29M Arizona Cardinals WR could help Justin Herbert’s Los Angeles... (NFL Trade Rumor: $29M Arizona Cardinals WR could help Justin Herbert’s Los Angeles...)
• 2026-09-30 — Russell Wilson Spells Out Why Justin Herbert Has Been Struggling So Much (Russell Wilson Spells Out Why Justin Herbert Has Been Struggling So Much)
• 2026-10-14 — Retired NFL star takes one look at Madison Beer & gets why Herbert's struggling, ALCS... (Retired NFL star takes one look at Madison Beer & gets why Herbert's struggling, ALCS...)
• 2026-10-13 — Chargers Have Never Discussed Trading Justin Herbert (Chargers Have Never Discussed Trading Justin Herbert)
• 2026-10-12 — NFL Rumors: Los Angeles Chargers May Take Surprise Approach to 2026 Trade Deadline (NFL Rumors: Los Angeles Chargers May Take Surprise Approach to 2026 Trade Deadline)
• 2026-10-08 — Is Chargers’ Justin Herbert ‘elite’? He is NOT even one of the 10 best quarterbacks in... (Is Chargers’ Justin Herbert ‘elite’? He is NOT even one of the 10 best quarterbacks in...)
• 2026-10-03 — Chargers’ Patrick Herbert: Elevated again for Week 4 (Chargers’ Patrick Herbert: Elevated again for Week 4)
• 2026-09-24 — 11 Justin Herbert Trade Landing Spots After NFL Rumors Emerge (11 Justin Herbert Trade Landing Spots After NFL Rumors Emerge)
• 2026-09-26 — NFL insider sets record straight on Justin Herbert trade rumors (NFL insider sets record straight on Justin Herbert trade rumors)
• 2026-09-27 — Justin Herbert could pass to his brother as Chargers elevate tight end Patrick Herbert (Justin Herbert could pass to his brother as Chargers elevate tight end Patrick Herbert)

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)