All-Time Chargers QBs Ranked: Rivers #1, Fouts #2

Justin Herbert

Starter 6 Years
3,727 Pass Yds
26 TDs
13 INTs
28 Total TDs
Justin's
HAIR
31.1
HeyTC AI Rating
#16 Active

Questions about Justin Herbert or the Chargers?

Justin Herbert Today

HEYTC AI
Justin Herbert, HeyTC's #16-ranked quarterback, enters the 2026 offseason after guiding the Chargers to an 11-6 regular season but another playoff heartbreak—a dismal 16-3 Wild Card loss to the Patriots where he was wildly off-target and sacked relentlessly behind a porous line. GM Joe Hortiz holds $86 million in cap space to overhaul the offensive front, with key linemen like Zion Johnson, Trey Pipkins III, Trevor Penning, and Jamaree Salyer hitting free agency, potentially upgrading from league-bottom to top-tier protection that Herbert desperately deserves. Trade rumors to the Vikings or elsewhere swirl due to his 0-4 postseason record, but that's unlikely with the Bolts' talent returning like Slater and Alt, plus coaching boosts—setting up a referendum year where proper support could unlock his elite arm for a deep run.

Justin Herbert Rating Breakdown

Season
Great
Fantasy
Good
Playoffs
Subpar
Overall
Delulu
6 years with the Chargers

Justin Herbert Contract & Salary

Status Under Contract
Contract Length 5 years
Total Value $262,500,000
Avg/Year (APY) $52,500,000
Guaranteed $218,700,000
Free Agent 2030

Justin Herbert 2025 Stats via ESPN

3,727 Pass Yards
26 Pass TDs
13 INTs
66.4% Comp %
31.1 HAIR
94.1 Passer Rtg
7.3 Y/A
16 Games
498 Rush Yards
2 Rush TDs

Should I Keep Justin Herbert?

HEYTC AI
KEEP 7/10 Confidence (High)

Justin Herbert finished the 2025 regular season ranked in the top 10 in passing yards, rushing yards, and passing touchdowns, demonstrating elite regular-season production with 3,727 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. However, his 0-2 playoff record and significant offensive line injuries (both starting tackles lost for the season) create uncertainty about his postseason trajectory and long-term team stability.

Justin Herbert Fantasy Projections & Matchup Analysis
QB3-QB5 Dynasty Rank
27 Age
5-7 years Elite Years Left
High Trade Value
Career Trajectory: Stable

Herbert's elite regular-season production justifies a mid-round keeper investment (rounds 3-5). His playoff struggles and offensive line concerns may suppress his keeper cost slightly compared to peers, making him a value target if available in later rounds than his talent suggests.

Team Situation

The Chargers demonstrated resilience by reaching the playoffs despite losing both starting tackles (Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt), but their offensive line remains a significant concern heading into 2026. The team's ability to protect Herbert will be critical to sustaining his elite production in future seasons.

Long-term Factors
  • Elite regular-season production with 24,820 passing yards in first six seasons (second all-time behind Peyton Manning)
  • Significant offensive line deterioration: franchise-high 60 sacks allowed in 2025; team averaged 25.3 PPG with Joe Alt vs. 21.3 PPG after his Week 9 injury
  • Concerning 0-2 playoff record including a 27-0 blown lead to Jacksonville (2022) and 20-point loss to Houston with four interceptions (2025)
  • Chargers made playoffs at 11-6 despite major injuries, indicating organizational competence but uncertain offensive line future

Justin Herbert Career Timeline

HEYTC AI
2025 2

Recovery milestone from hand fracture

By early 2025, Herbert reported his previously fractured left hand had benefited from rest, and he was able to resume taking full under-center snaps in practice, indicating near-full recovery and marking a key health milestone in his career.

Wild-card matchup vs Patriots under Harbaugh

Ahead of the 2025 postseason wild-card round, Justin Herbert rested in the regular-season finale by coach’s decision before preparing to start a high-stakes playoff game against the New England Patriots under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

2024 1

Playoff-clinching win at New England

In late 2024, Herbert and the Chargers clinched a playoff spot with a dominant 40–7 road victory over the New England Patriots, in which Herbert threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns to secure a postseason berth.

2023 1

Hand injury and late-season absence

During the 2023 season, Herbert suffered a fracture to his left hand in Week 13; he later sat out a game against Denver for precautionary reasons to allow the hand to heal and reduce swelling before returning to action.

2022 1

First NFL playoff appearance with Chargers

Herbert led the Los Angeles Chargers to the postseason for the first time in his career, marking his debut playoff appearance as the team’s starting quarterback.

2020 2

Rookie starting role and early impact with Chargers

Herbert quickly took over the starting quarterback job for the Chargers as a rookie in 2020 and established himself as one of the league’s top young passers, beginning what is now a six-season tenure with the franchise.

Drafted by Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers as the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, entering the league as their quarterback of the future after starring at Oregon.

6 years in the NFL

Frequently Asked Questions About Justin Herbert

Is Justin Herbert injured?

Justin Herbert played through a fractured left hand in the recent playoff loss to the Patriots and took six sacks for 39 yards while committing two fumbles. He is now entering the offseason with time to fully recover from the injury and the season's bruises. No new injuries are reported as of the latest updates.

How did Justin Herbert play in his last game?

In the Chargers' 16-3 playoff loss to the Patriots, Justin Herbert completed 19-of-31 passes for 159 yards with no touchdowns and led the team with 57 rushing yards. He was sacked six times for 39 yards lost, committed two fumbles (losing one), amid an injury-ravaged offensive line.

Will Justin Herbert be traded or get a contract extension?

There are no current rumors of Justin Herbert being traded; the focus is on roster and coaching changes for the Chargers after their playoff exit. Herbert remains the entrenched starting quarterback with discussions centering on improving protection and support around him rather than moving him.

What is Justin Herbert's current quarterback ranking?

Justin Herbert is currently ranked #16 on HeyTC's Daily AI Quarterback Rankings with an overall score in the Delulu (31.07) tier. This places him outside the top 10 among NFL quarterbacks based on the latest AI evaluation.

Who do the Chargers and Justin Herbert play next?

The Chargers and Justin Herbert have been eliminated from the playoffs after their 16-3 loss to the Patriots, with no next game scheduled. The team now enters the offseason focusing on recovery, roster changes, and addressing injuries.

What is the biggest current storyline about Justin Herbert?

The primary storyline is Justin Herbert's grit playing through a fractured left hand and injuries on a battered offensive line, yet another playoff loss to the Patriots where he was sacked six times amid poor protection. Teammate Khalil Mack urged him not to shoulder the blame alone, highlighting team-wide issues like injuries to key linemen and the run defense.