How Chargers’ Tarheeb Still is looking to unlock his potential in third NFL season

Economy World


EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Third-year Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Tarheeb Still is familiar with the fanfare of training camp.

When the post-practice huddle breaks, fans in attendance flock to the barriers, handing over hats, jerseys and posters they’d like to turn into souvenirs personalized by one of their favorite players. Still typically signs a few things, as was the case on Saturday, even when he didn’t participate in practice for an undisclosed reason. But for all the fans whose days Still has helped make, one from this summer stands out.

Sitting on his couch, scrolling social media during the first week of camp, Still came across a video of a fan asking for Justin Herbert’s signature. The fan said it was his third year attending camp and trying to get the quarterback’s autograph. He said his speech disability had made it difficult in the past.

Still responded to the post, saying that he would help the fan out. The next day, Still went up to Herbert before practice and asked him to sign a hat. When practice ended, Still knew who he was looking for in the crowd.

“That specific experience was kind of … it was kind of emotional,” Still said. “You could tell it really meant a lot to him. I almost shed a tear.”

The Chargers posted the fan’s reaction to their social media, where he cheers with excitement and then comes to the front of the crowd to meet Still. That shot of him and Still smiling together is his new profile picture.

“It was the best experience ever,” Still said. “It was an amazing feeling that I got to help him do that, and also he was so passionate and so grateful. It was just amazing.”

Still enters a pivotal third season in 2026, and in camp he’s been vying for snaps at outside corner next to veteran Donte Jackson and fellow 2024 draft pick Cam Hart. Jackson, who has played eight NFL seasons, gave props to Still for his versatility in the secondary.

“The sky is the limit for Tarheeb. He’s one of the smartest players I’ve ever played with, and that says a lot for a Year 3 guy,” Jackson said. “He’s going to be one of the guys that you see on the ticker making a lot of money.”

As a rookie, Still was eager to step up when the veteran starters battled injuries, and it turned into a standout season for the fifth-round pick. He led the team with four interceptions, one of which he returned for a 61-yard touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons.

“Tarheeb’s a player who established he belonged right away,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “He’s in the process of seeing how far he can take it.”

Reflecting now, Still attributed his early success to a simple mindset.

“It wasn’t really much thinking, none of that,” Still said. “Just going out there, being young, having fun. Just embracing it, being in the league, but also really just trying my best to see the team succeed.”

The stats didn’t jump off the page for Still as much in Year 2. He ended the season with seven pass deflections, 53 tackles and without a takeaway, all fewer than the year prior.

“Last year, I was trying to be right about everything, instead of just being like how I was my rookie year, just limit the thinking,” Still said. “I’m prepared. I’m in the playbook. I scout the team. I know they’ve got a good feel for what’s going on. The coaches do a good job preparing us. So it’s really just not thinking, letting your ability take over.”

Still said he wants to get back to “playing more free” in 2026, combining the knowledge and confidence built in his first two years to take the next step.

The defense is also working under new coordinator Chris O’Leary, whom Still described as intentional and “super detailed.” O’Leary was the Chargers’ safeties coach during Still’s rookie season in 2024, so the chemistry was built before O’Leary returned to Los Angeles this offseason.

“We’re on him constantly about just being an ultimate competitor,” O’Leary said earlier in camp about Still. “Can you be the same guy day in and day out no matter who you’re guarding, who you’re up against, how you feel? That, to me, is the step we’re pushing him in this year. Be that guy every single day. But he’s been really good.”

For Still to unlock his potential in the upcoming year, he said it will come down to the small things: preparation, diet, habits. So, what’s success look like in 2026? And, as Harbaugh said, how far can Still take it?

“Whatever level I get myself to,” Still said. “I know that they have the confidence in me. I know they have trust in me. I know my teammates do, but really it’s just about me taking that next step to really make that big jump.”

Another new detail for Still this year: his number. He switched to No. 4 this offseason after wearing No. 29 the past two years. Still wore No. 4 during his final two college football seasons at Maryland, and he also said the number has relevance to the street he grew up on in Sicklerville, N.J.

Of course, it’s also the number Harbaugh wore during his two seasons with the Chargers organization in 1999 and 2000, but the head coach didn’t let that add any pressure, Still said.

“People that are from around that area will understand. It really means something to me where I’m from. It makes a lot of people happy back home,” Still said.

“And then, also, who doesn’t want a single digit in the league?”