Chargers Shift Offseason Strategy for Justin Herbert's Development

WHO:

chargers.com - Jim Harbaugh is the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.

chargers.com - Justin Herbert is the quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers.

chargers.com - Mike McDaniel is the Chargers Offensive Coordinator.

chargers.com - Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei are also quarterbacks for the Chargers.

chargers.com - Kayode Awosika and rookie Jake Slaughter are competing for the left guard position.

chargers.com - Trevor Penning is another option for left guard.

chargers.com - Chris O'Leary is the first-year Chargers Defensive Coordinator.

WHAT:

chargers.com - Jim Harbaugh stated, "We've got a plan, nice progression to where he's ramping up to training camp and the first game of the season and the entire season. He's in a ramp up."

chargers.com - Herbert threw passes during individual drills but let Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei split reps in team settings.

chargers.com - Harbaugh noted that Herbert has excelled at footwork changes required by Mike McDaniel's system, stating, "Just the patternization in Mike McDaniel's system required some footwork changes. Been working very hard at those, and as you would expect, Justin has picked it up."

chargers.com - The Chargers are implementing a new offseason approach for Justin Herbert's development.

chargers.com - Herbert has taken on a more limited role in offseason practices, focusing on footwork rather than extensive throwing.

chargers.com - Herbert was sacked 54 times in 2025, the second-highest total in the league, and faced a league-high 263 pressures.

chargers.com - Harbaugh stated, "Justin throwing, in mid-season form, in April and May and June has been the way we've done it."

chargers.com - Harbaugh described the new plan as a "team effort" involving Herbert and McDaniel.

chargers.com - Herbert is scheduled to throw during all three days of mandatory minicamp.

WHERE:

chargers.com - The Chargers hold their Mandatory Mini-Camp at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.

WHEN:

chargers.com - The Chargers' Mandatory Mini-Camp is scheduled for June 16, 2026.

WHY:

chargers.com - Harbaugh emphasized the new approach as a "team effort" involving Herbert and McDaniel, indicating a collaborative strategy for Herbert's development.

chargers.com - The change in Herbert's offseason approach is intended to prepare him for training camp and the upcoming season.

chargers.com - Harbaugh believes the new approach is "smarter" and part of a "nice progression" for Herbert.

HOW:

chargers.com - Harbaugh described the competition for the left guard position as "raging on," with multiple players involved, including Kayode Awosika and rookie Jake Slaughter, who has transitioned from center to guard.

chargers.com - Herbert is focusing on footwork changes to fit the quick, timing-based throws in McDaniel's offensive scheme.

chargers.com - The competition for the left guard position is described as "raging on" with multiple players involved.

Jim Harbaugh announced that Justin Herbert is ramping up for training camp and the upcoming season, highlighting a collaborative effort with Mike McDaniel to enhance Herbert's footwork for the new system. During practice, Herbert participated in individual drills while allowing Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei to share reps in team settings. Harbaugh also mentioned that the competition for the left guard position is intense, with players like Kayode Awosika and rookie Jake Slaughter, who has moved from center to guard, all vying for the spot.