3 Chargers Immediately on Thin Ice to Begin 2025 Offseason

The Los Angeles Chargers' 2024 season was a success by most measures, yet it ended with a dud against the Houston Texans in a 20-point Wild Card loss last weekend. Jim Harbaugh oversaw a fantastic turnaround to get Los Angeles back to the playoffs, though such an embarrassing defeat proves there's still significant work to be done.

This roster is already changing with more moves likely on the horizon. Aging players like Khalil Mack could retire, leaving more holes for a roster that already needs work to compete with the best opponents in the NFL.

It's hard to be upset with an 11-5 regular season and playoff berth, but it's time for the organization to think bigger. With that in mind, let's look at three players immediately on thin ice entering the offseason.

1. Justin Herbert - QB

The $252 million man now has two massive postseason clunkers in five years between blowing a 27-point lead to the Jaguars and tossing four interceptions in a meltdown against the Texans. Herbert knows he played poorly and admitted as much, but words don't change the fact that he's developing a reputation as someone who can't perform well in big games.

Herbert finished completing just 14 of his 32 passes for 242 yards with one TD and the four interceptions, getting sacked four times in the process. He never threw three interceptions in a single game during his professional or college career, making this perhaps the worst he's ever played in his life.

While the 26-year-old is still one of the better young signal callers in the league overall and the leader of the franchise, he has to improve quickly when the lights shine brightest.

With 3,870 passing yards, 23 TDs and just three interceptions in the regular season, Herbert is clearly capable of elite play. Finding him some better weapons will help, though he needs to make better decisions under pressure.

Far too often, Herbert trusted his supernatural arm talent instead of finding an easy completion. GIven that his wide receivers are among the league's worst, they weren't able to make those contested catches and turnovers ensued.

This will be a long offseason of reflection for Herbert. Expect him to have another stellar regular season in 2025, though all that will ultimately matter for his reputation is how he performs in next year's Wild Card round.