Justin Herbert's Excitement for the Chargers' Offense

Last season, the Chargers' offense struggled, marking a first in Justin Herbert's career. With a new group of unproven pass catchers and an inconsistent offensive line, the team faced challenges throughout the season. However, the connection Herbert built with second-year receiver Ladd McConkey was a bright spot. McConkey broke Chargers rookie records with 1,149 receiving yards and 82 receptions.

This offseason, the Chargers invested heavily in pass catchers, drafting wide receivers Tre' Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, and tight end Oronde Gadsden II. The return of wide receiver Mike Williams, one of Herbert's favorite targets, is expected to bolster the offense.

"He's one of those guys that changes the way he plays football when he's on your team," Herbert said. "50-50 balls are not quite 50-50, as we've seen with Mike. You need a play -- a big-time play -- he's going to go up and make it."

With Greg Roman back for a second season as offensive coordinator, Herbert feels the offense is far ahead of where it was last year.

A Big Year Expected for Linebacker Daiyan Henley

Daiyan Henley, a third-round pick in 2023, had a breakout season in 2024, emerging as one of the most important players in the Chargers' defense. Despite playing through a torn labrum, Henley finished eighth in the NFL in total tackles (147).

In Year 3, many players and coaches expect Henley to become one of the league's best linebackers. Safety Derwin James Jr. has high expectations for Henley, pushing him to reach his full potential.

"All-Pro," James said. "I push him every day. I tell him, 'If a tight end catch the ball on you. It's not good.' ... I want him to do everything because I feel like he has a ceiling where he can be All-Pro, not just Pro Bowl, but an All-Pro player."

Henley spent much of the offseason working on pass rush technique and coverage skills with James and outside linebacker Khalil Mack.

Everyone's Grateful Khalil Mack is Back

Khalil Mack, 34, re-signed with the Chargers on a team-friendly one-year $18 million contract after considering retirement. His return is a significant boost for the defense, with defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Derwin James Jr. expressing their gratitude.

"It means everything. Khalil is one of the best ever to do it, but really just the type of person he is, the type of leadership that he brings," Minter said. "... I have great appreciation for how he operates. I take things from him every day."

James was instrumental in recruiting Mack for the 2025 season, highlighting the veteran's importance to the team.

"He means everything," James said. " I was begging and pleading to get him back. I actually hit him up to get him back. I was just so excited when he came back. For him to come back like that, I knew he really loves us, man, and he really wanted a shot at it again."

Mack returned to the Chargers with the goal of winning a Super Bowl, believing he can achieve that dream in Los Angeles.