Justin Herbert has signed a massive contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers, making him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history. The deal is worth $163 million over five years, with $126 million guaranteed.
Herbert, 25, is coming off a breakout season in which he was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. He threw for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns, leading the Chargers to the playoffs.
The Chargers were eager to lock up Herbert long-term, as he is seen as one of the most promising quarterbacks in the league. The deal makes him the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history, surpassing the previous record of $156 million, which was held by Patrick Mahomes.
“We are thrilled to have Justin Herbert signed for the long term,” said Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. “He is a special player and leader, and we are excited to see what he can accomplish in the years to come.”
Herbert is the latest in a line of young quarterbacks to sign big-money contracts. Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson have all signed deals worth over $150 million in recent years.
The rising salaries of quarterbacks are a reflection of the importance of the position in the NFL. Quarterbacks are now seen as the most valuable players on the field, and teams are willing to pay a premium to keep them.
Herbert’s contract is a sign that the Chargers are committed to building a championship contender around him. They have a talented roster that includes Keenan Allen, Austin Ekeler, and Joey Bosa. With Herbert under center, the Chargers are poised to compete for titles for years to come.
What does Herbert’s deal mean for the NFL?
Justin Herbert’s massive contract extension is a sign of the times in the NFL. Quarterbacks are now the highest-paid players in the league, and their salaries are only going to continue to rise.
Herbert’s deal is worth $163 million over five years, with $126 million guaranteed. That’s more than any other quarterback in NFL history, and it’s a sign that the Chargers are committed to building a championship contender around him.
Herbert’s deal is also a sign of the rising cost of doing business in the NFL. The salary cap is expected to continue to rise in the coming years, and that means that teams will have to pay more to keep their star quarterbacks.
This is good news for quarterbacks, but it’s bad news for fans. The rising cost of quarterback salaries means that teams will have less money to spend on other positions. This could lead to a decrease in the overall quality of play in the NFL.
Only time will tell what the long-term impact of Herbert’s deal will be. But one thing is for sure: it’s a sign that the NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and that quarterbacks are going to continue to get paid big bucks.
