Does Chargers QB Justin Herbert's reputation match his resume?

Justin Herbert is widely regarded as one of the league’s best quarterbacks, often named along with Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. There is definitely a lot to like about Herbert. He boasts arguably one of the most impressive arm strengths in the league, possesses a prototypical build and is capable of making throws most others cannot even fathom. 

But entering the 2026 season, with the Los Angeles Chargers, a reasonable question remains: does Herbert’s resumé support that widely held belief?

The evidence seems to stack up.

Justin Herbert's numbers don't lie

Since Herbert entered the league six seasons ago, he has put up respectable numbers. Herbert has thrown for well over 25,000 yards and 179 touchdowns while holding a career 96.8 passer rating. He has recorded more than 4,300 passing yards three times, and has not had a season below 20 passing touchdowns. In 2025, Herbert tossed for nearly 69% passing with 3,727 yards and 26 touchdowns, notching the first passer rating over 100 of his career. In every aspect of traditional statistics, those numbers are strong, to say the least.

It is just that they are not viewed through a lens of greatness, rather than simply being solid production.

Justin Herbert has never been a serious MVP contender

Despite all of the plaudits and awards, Herbert has yet to have a season where he has thrown for 40 touchdowns; the most he has had is 30 in 2021.) He still has to contend for MVP discussions more directly. His stats compare favorably with other starters throughout the NFL, but are not separating himself enough for those conversations he is often included in. 

Justin Herbert's postseason success is dismal

If there is one statistic that continues to fuel the debate surrounding Herbert, it is his lack of postseason success. Despite six seasons as an NFL starter and countless discussions about his place among the league's elite quarterbacks, Herbert has yet to win a playoff game. The Chargers have reached the postseason multiple times during his tenure, but each appearance has ended in disappointment. 

While team success should never rest solely on the shoulders of a quarterback, the reality is that the NFL's best are often defined by what they accomplish in January. Until Herbert breaks through in the postseason, critics will continue to point to his winless playoff record as the biggest gap between his reputation and his résumé.

Can Jim Harbaugh transform Justin Herbert into an elite QB?

Herbert's early career began during an era of disarray with the Chargers front office and in terms of consistent talent around the team’s starting quarterback. But with the hire of Jim Harbaugh comes the potential for things to finally change for this team, and it is possible that Harbaugh can unlock something special. His historical ability to win programs might make this partnership a catalyst for him to put it all together now.

Justin Herbert and the greatness debate

It is for these reasons why the upcoming 2026 season will be so compelling for Herbert. The reality is everyone knows he is a good NFL quarterback; his stats proved that about five years ago. We now need to determine whether he is one of the league's elite quarterbacks. The 2026 season may finally determine whether Herbert is viewed as an elite quarterback or simply just a good one.