When it comes to the NFL offseason, voluntary workouts often fly under the radar for star players. Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has missed much of the voluntary portion of the offseason, and now reports suggest the team plans to manage his workload heavily as the spring and summer progress.
That approach stems from reports indicating Herbert is beginning to “feel” the effects of entering his seventh NFL season. While it’s understandable for a quarterback of his experience and caliber to take a measured approach, the Chargers are not handling this situation particularly well.
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Earlier reports indicated Herbert stepped away from workouts to travel with his superstar partner, Madison Breer. In a typical offseason, that might be perfectly reasonable. However, the Chargers have a new offensive coordinator and an entirely new playbook. Herbert should have a much greater presence during this phase of the offseason than he has shown so far.
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks on before the game against the New England Patriots in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Leading by example?
What message does it send to the rest of the roster when the face of the franchise isn’t fully engaged during a critical period of team development? At a minimum, the team’s quarterback should be present, working, and learning the new offense alongside his teammates.
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Throughout his career, many have defended Herbert by pointing to a lack of weapons, offensive line issues, or inconsistent defensive support. This year, however, the Chargers have addressed many of those concerns. The roster appears well-positioned to compete in a loaded AFC.
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That’s why the organization’s apparent comfort with Herbert missing extended portions of offseason work is difficult to justify. These developmental periods are critical for building chemistry, establishing leadership, and implementing new schemes. If anyone should be fully invested, it should be the team’s franchise quarterback.
Justin Herbert — Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
The New York Jets experienced a similar situation when Aaron Rodgers missed portions of offseason activities in 2024, and the results were far from ideal. While every situation is different, it’s fair to question why the Chargers seem so comfortable easing Herbert into a new offense rather than maximizing his time within it.
There is nothing wrong with a quarterback getting rest. In fact, proper workload management should be encouraged. But largely skipping offseason work only to return for limited participation raises legitimate questions. Herbert is not a multiple-time Super Bowl champion operating from a position of proven success. He still has plenty left to accomplish.
This is bad business for both the Chargers and Herbert. It sets a questionable example for a team trying to take the next step from contender to legitimate championship threat. The organization should address the situation quickly before it becomes a larger issue.