Herbert agrees to record-breaking contract as QB signs 5-year deal with Chargers

25 July 2023 , 23:08

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Justin Herbert becomes the highest paid player in the NFL

Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert is to become the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL after agreeing to terms on a five-year deal.

According to ESPN, Herbert has agreed to a five-year $262.5M (£203.5m) contract extension to remain with the Chargers, which sees him become the highest-paid player in the league. Herbert has two years remaining on his rookie deal, meaning that he is now under contract for the next seven years.

It's been an offseason dominated by major deals, as Jalen Hurts initially became the highest-paid quarterback after signing a new deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. Lamar Jackson then committed to the Baltimore Ravens, with his guaranteed money seeing him take the top spot.

The new deal also sees Herbert move clear of Patrick Mahomes, who is now eighth on the list of highest earners amongst the quarterback position. Mahomes broke sporting records when agreeing to a 10-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning an average salary of $45m (£34.9m) per year.

But Mahomes has since been overtaken by Herbert, Jackson, Hurts, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray and Deshaun Watson. It's worth noting that Mahomes also still has nine years remaining on his contract.

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Herbert was the sixth-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and there is a real belief within the Chargers franchise that he can lead them to a championship. Herbert has played 49 games out of a possible 50, accumulating 14,089 yards along the way.

The Chargers quarterback has thrown 94 touchdowns and only 35 interceptions during his NFL career, and has also proven he can be dangerous running the ball. Herbert has rushed for 683 yards and six touchdowns in his three seasons.

Hall of Famer and former San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson is now a special assistant for the now-Los Angeles franchise and spoke about the faith in Herbert. "It's a great day to be a Charger, congratulations to Justin Herbert and congratulations to the Chargers," Tomlinson said.

"We know that we have a QB that can bring us a championship. That is our expectations and that's certainly Herbert's expectation. To have this done, and have it out the way, makes us all feel relieved and we can continue to build a team around Herbert and compete for championships."

The money in sports continues to increase, and just a decade ago Rodgers was the highest-paid quarterback as he received $22m (£17.05m) annually. There are now 18 quarterbacks in the NFL earning more than that figure.

Joseph McBride