Chargers Training Camp is rapidly approaching.
The team will host 17 open practices as they welcome fans back to The Bolt in El Segundo. (Note: two of the practices will be held at University of San Diego.)
The Bolts are looking to build on an 11-win season and playoff berth in Year 2 of Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, as the competitiveness has gone up another level throughout the offseason.
Chargers.com will take a look at each position group and battles leading up to training camp. First up, quarterback.
Who's on the roster?
Justin Herbert, Taylor Heinicke, Trey Lance, DJ Uiagalelei
Camp Outlook
It's hard to believe, but 2025 will be Herbert's sixth under center in the powder blue.
The Chargers franchise quarterback's first season under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh was one of his most efficient seasons as a pro as he led the team to 11 wins and another playoff berth.
The goal now is to take the offseason optimism to build on what's next.
Herbert has been full steam ahead with this group as they look ahead to training camp and the 2025 season.
"I think it's just continuing to improve on where we need to and taking what we did well last year and continuing to work on that," Herbert said. "Understanding where we fell short, what we need to improve on and taking on that entire body of work from last year and just continuing to improve.
"I think we've got a lot of great film of stuff that we've done — route concepts, protections — so guys are comfortable with it," Herbert added. "It's just continuing to get better at that and moving forward."
Having a full season of tape is big, as Herbert returns to the same offensive system for only the second time in his career.
Harbaugh continues to be impressed with the quarterback, who has led and set the standard for the team this offseason.
"He's in a great place," Harbaugh said about Herbert. "He's one of the nine elite guys on our team that train at that level. Wouldn't change a thing about Justin Herbert.
"The important thing is everybody else," Harbaugh added. "Especially the guys he's counting on the offensive side of the ball just look at his example of how he goes about his business, how he trains and they attempt to get to that level."
Behind Herbert is Heinicke, who returned to the Chargers in free agency this offseason.
The 32-year-old veteran appeared in four games for the Bolts last season after being traded to Los Angeles prior to the start of the regular season and is as experienced as they come as a backup.
The Chargers also added more to the room in free agency with Lance, a former first-round pick, and an undrafted free agent in Uiagalelei.
Player to Watch: Justin Herbert
Of course it's No. 10.
Herbert's last season was one of his most impressive, even without gaudy numbers, as the quarterback had a lot on his plate and delivered another playoff appearance.
But with a revamped offensive line and new backfield heading into 2025, all eyes will be on how much of a big help that could be for Herbert.
The Chargers running game had an up and down year last season at times, leading to a more pass-heavy approach in some games.
Herbert still delivered, as his TD:INT ratio last season of 7.67 ranked eighth all-time among quarterbacks who threw at least 15 touchdown passes in a season.
But with Najee Harris and first-round pick Omarion Hampton carrying the football and the Bolts slotting in 6-foot-7 Mekhi Becton on the interior of the offensive line, the offense could open up even more for Herbert under center.
And that could spell some big things for the quarterback, who could use that to his major advantage as the Bolts look to play deep into January.
Key Question: Does Herbert and the offense take a leap with new additions in Year 2 under Roman?
Things are much different for Herbert this time around compared to last year.
The quarterback's offseason has consisted of the same offense for just the second time in his career, which could mean big things for the unit in 2025.
"He could go out and run the practice. He knows this offense inside and out now," Chargers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman said. "Last year this time, it was his third system in three years so that was a challenge which he conquered.
"This year, with him and some of the guys kind of progress things, changed how we installed the offense this year, prioritized different things," Roman added. "We understand who we are now way differently than we did last year. What we do will be a little different, how we do it, practice it, that kind of thing."
Not to mention, Herbert also has a couple more offensive weapons heading into 2025 that could contribute to the offense taking even another leap.
Of course there's Ladd McConkey, who enters Year 2 after being Herbert's top target as the two have already flashed their rapport during the offseason program, and Quentin Johnston, who is looking to take another step after leading the team in touchdowns.
But the team also brought back Mike Williams and drafted Tre' Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith this offseason, deepening the competition in the position room while also adding an explosive element.
"I think it's always great to have playmakers like that, guys that are able to stretch the field," Herbert said. "They picked it up really quickly. It's always tough learning a new offense and going through that process, but those guys have picked it up."
"Obviously, there are things we can continue to clean up through OTAs, but to have guys like that, it definitely opens up our offense," Herbert later added.
Training camp will be a big part of getting to where the offense wants to go, but another year in the same offensive system for Herbert could create an even more exciting unit in 2025.
"I think we've made great strides this offseason. I would say that we've gotten a lot better," Herbert said. "We're continuing to put in this offense and master and do everything we can to fully understand it.
"I think from that standpoint, we're further ahead than where we were last year," Herbert added. "There's a lot of work to do and I think guys have done a great job this offseason of showing up mentally prepared and being focused day in and day out."
