After only two years in the NFL, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has made an incredible impression on the field for Los Angeles, breaking a few league records along the way. His impact on the team hasn’t stopped there, though, as the Chargers have asked for Herbert’s opinions on roster decisions, as well, according to Jeff Kerr of CBS. 
There is plenty about the 24-year-old quarterback to be impressed about. Despite the lack of team success, Herbert has accumulated “the most completions (839) and passing yards (9,350) through the first two seasons of a career” in NFL history. He also became the first quarterback in league history to throw for 30 touchdowns or more in each of his first two seasons. The feat of throwing for over 5,000 yards in a season this past year is another anomaly, as only Patrick Mahomes and Dan Marino had accomplished that in one of their first two years of NFL football.
In an interview with the young phenom, Kerr inquired about the impacts of Herbert’s career so far beyond the gridiron. He asked the Oregon-product if Los Angeles asks for his input on roster construction, if they invite his opinions on what he needs in order to improve the roster.
“The great part about the Chargers is they have asked!” Herbert replied. “They definitely want to keep communication open there, but my response to them is ‘I just want to play quarterback and I trust you guys and whatever you decide to do.’”
The answer to the question says a ton about the respect the Chargers have for their young passer and his response to their request shows trust and maturity. There are plenty of things for Herbert to be working on this offseason, but scouting probably shouldn’t be on the list. Trusting general manager Tom Telesco and company to build a team around him is probably the best move for Herbert at the current moment. But how has that trust been serving him so far?
The biggest possible move the Chargers could make to help Herbert succeed is exactly what they did. Los Angeles took Herbert’s leading receiver from last year, Mike Williams, and secured his return with a three-year, $60MM contract. The Williams-signing, along with exclusive rights free agent Jalen Guyton signing a one-year deal, ensures that all four of Herbert’s top wide receivers from last year will return in 2022.
After the departures of Jared Cook and Stephen Anderson in free agency, the Chargers only return 235 receiving yards from the tight end…