Tre Harris has seen enough in practice to believe Justin Herbert is headed for something big in 2026.
The Chargers wide receiver didn’t just praise his quarterback during Thursday’s media session - he laid out the case that Herbert could be even more dangerous next season than he already is. Harris pointed to what he’s watched every day in camp and suggested the league is about to see a different version of the Chargers’ star passer.
"It's going to be really exciting. I can tell you that.
You know, I'm super excited for Justin because, you know, he does some special things that I get to see every day in practice, and I'm just super excited for everybody in the league one and and all the fans to be able to see what he truly can do, and he's put it on tape before. Everybody knows what he's capable of, but I feel like this year he's going to be even an even different monster than he already is," Harris said.
That kind of confidence makes sense considering what Herbert played through in 2025. He still put together a strong year, but the Chargers’ battered offensive line forced him into survival mode far too often. He had to drift, escape and extend plays just to keep drives alive, and that meant taking a lot more punishment than the team wanted.
Even with all that pressure, Herbert still stacked up 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 66.4 percent completion rate. He also added 498 rushing yards and two scores on the ground, helping the Chargers keep the chains moving.
The hope now is that 2026 looks a lot cleaner. Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater are back at tackle, which should give Herbert a much better wall in front of him. He’ll also be operating in a more balanced offense under coordinator Mike McDaniel, who has built a system that can establish the run and work the ball to the edges.
That matters because the Chargers have plenty of pieces for Herbert to feed. Omarion Hampton, Kimani Vidal and Keaton Mitchell give the backfield depth. Out wide, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Harris give Los Angeles a strong receiver group, while Charlie Kolar, Oronde Gadsden and David Njoku bring options at tight end.
Harris, for his part, believes he can be part of what makes this offense pop. His speed gives Herbert another vertical threat, and if their timing keeps sharpening, the Chargers could have one of the league’s most dangerous deep connections.
Harris finished the 2025 season with 30 catches for 324 yards, one touchdown and 18 first downs, averaging 10.8 yards per reception.
If Herbert takes the next step Harris expects, and McDaniel’s offense lets him spread the ball around, the Chargers may end up with a quarterback who belongs in the top-five conversation.
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It is the sort of idea that makes sense on paper for a coach with deep ties to Michigan, even if nothing has been put in motion. Bleacher Reports Kristopher Knox floated the possibility of a McCarthy trade, but for now there has been no official move involving him, leaving the Chargers with a backup question that is still more rumor than reality. [Read more 🡒]
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Chargers Hype Comes With A Roster Doubt Fans Can't Ignore
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Khalil Mack and Derwin James remain central to how high this team can climb, yet executives have openly wondered about their durability, which is never a small thing for a contender trying to thread the needle in a deep conference. Add in the change at defensive coordinator with Jesse Minter gone, and the Chargers enter the year with enough intrigue to fuel optimism and enough uncertainty to keep fans from getting too comfortable. [Read more 🡒]