For the 2026 Los Angeles Chargers, keeping Justin Herbert upright and healthy is the number one priority to get the franchise where it wants to be. At the 2026 NFL Combine, the Chargers GM laid out his plan to protect Herbert, which relies on the entire roster, not just the offensive line.
Los Angeles Chargers GM Joe Hortiz Wants Everyone To Help Protect Justin Herbert
The usual position group that comes to mind when the discussion of quarterback protection comes up is the offensive line.
The Chargers have invested in the trenches by drafting Rashawn Slater (13th overall in 2021 NFL Draft), Zion Johnson (17th overall in 2022 NFL Draft), and Joe Alt (5th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft). However, GM Joe Hortiz says he needs more than that to truly protect Herbert.
Hortiz spoke with the media at the 2026 NFL Combine on Tuesday in Indianapolis, with NFL on Fox reporter Eric Williams posting the presser on X. “Listen, we’re always going to try to help Justin, and that’s throwing more players at all positions to help the team,” Hortiz said to the media.
He added that they need players across the roster who can benefit and protect Herbert, “So we’re gonna attack the O-line, we’re gonna attack the defense, we’re gonna attack the backs, tight ends, everything, even wideouts. The more weapons and more players that we put around Justin, the better we protect Justin.”
Chargers GM Joe Hortiz pointed to scheme changes with new OC Mike McDaniel, upgrading OL and adding playmakers on offense as ways his team is working to better protect Justin Herbert this offseason. pic.twitter.com/3hfqzQKzJR
— Eric Williams (@edubnfl22) February 24, 2026
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has made it his mission to build a team approach and roster designed for the toughest moments of an NFL season.
Being able to run the football is a crucial aspect of that, but everything begins and ends in the trenches for Harbaugh’s plan for success. Hortiz wants that expanded to include everyone, be it a skill player or a depth piece.
Everything centers on Herbert, and whatever gives him the best chance to win games for Los Angeles is what they will make happen.
It’s one thing for a GM to express his desire to build around a protected franchise quarterback, but putting it into action without overpaying or reaching in the draft is where it becomes challenging.
Everything about Hortiz’s words indicated that the franchise still rests upon Herbert’s shoulders, and Wild Card losses in the first two years under Harbaugh aren’t the standard that the front office expects.
On paper, the Chargers look ready to go toe-to-toe with any other team and out-grit them, but that hasn’t been the reality when postseason football comes around. Hortiz is ready for that to change in 2026.
