Justin Herbert didn’t sound shy about where the Chargers’ offense could go with more flexibility built into the receiver room.
At Monday’s media availability, the quarterback pointed to the value of moving pieces around the formation and making defenses account for more than one alignment. With Mike McDaniel now calling the offense, that kind of movement looks like a central part of what Los Angeles wants to do in 2026.
“We've always done a pretty good job of spreading guys around and making sure that they can play different positions. I think you know Tre' and Ladd, they've done such a great job.
Q has even done that as well. Where we ask them to line up in a bunch of different places, and I think they've done a great job picking it up, and it's tough, but it's going to be helpful for our offense,” Herbert said.
That kind of versatility can be a headache for defenses, and the Chargers have three receivers who fit the idea well: Ladd McConkey, Tre' Harris and Quentin Johnston. All three have been used in multiple spots, and all three can line up in the slot, outside or even in the backfield.
McConkey’s numbers dipped from his rookie season, when he had 82 catches for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. Last season, he finished with 66 receptions for 789 yards and six touchdowns. Still, with his 6-0, 185-pound frame and a more motion-heavy system around him, he could be a tough cover for opposing defenses.
Johnston turned in his best statistical season yet, posting 51 receptions for 735 yards and eight touchdowns in only 14 games. At 6-2 and 208 pounds, he gives the Chargers a bigger target who can be moved around the field and turned into a problem in space.
Harris is coming off his rookie year, too, and finished with 30 receptions for 324 yards and one touchdown. At 6-3 and 210 pounds, he has the size to work on the outside, along with the speed to be dangerous in space and the length to help Herbert on contested throws down the field.
The appeal for Los Angeles is clear: different bodies, similar versatility, and enough variety to keep defenses guessing. With Herbert pushing the ball downfield and McDaniel bringing a more creative approach, the Chargers have a receiver group that could be a lot harder to sort out in 2026.
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Rashawn Slater's Camp Absence Has Chargers Fans Watching Closely
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Slater has now missed three straight practices, which is enough to keep fans on edge even though there has not been any official sign of a new serious injury. The early concern that surfaced during the first padded practice has not turned into a confirmed setback, and for now the situation appears to be more about caution than alarm as the Chargers manage his recovery. [Read more 🡒]