Even though Justin Herbert had an odd beginning to his NFL career, finding out he’d be starting his first game only after the Los Angeles Chargers’ medical team accidentally punctured Tyrod Taylor’s lung, he’s since become one of the best QBs in the game.
Herbert, the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, won Offensive Rookie of the Year in his first season, made the Pro Bowl in his second, and finally reached the postseason in his third season. He’s improved every step of the way.
Now, the Chargers have rewarded their 25-year-old face of the franchise by making him the NFL’s highest-paid QB.
According to Ian Rapoport, Herbert has agreed to a five-year, $262.5 million extension, locking him in through the 2029 season. The contract includes $218.7 million in guarantees, a new NFL-high.
Herbert’s contract is record-breaking for the overall dollar amount, guarantees, annual salary, and also how much money he’ll receive in the first season of the deal at $100 million.
He also received a full no-trade clause, meaning he’ll have final say over which team he’d go to if for some reason, discussions were ever had.
While the Chargers had plenty of time to get their franchise QB under contract, since he still had two years left on his rookie deal, we commonly see teams get ahead of the problem by reaching an extension early before he has a chance to drive his price up even more.
Plus, now Herbert gets the chance to learn from and work with new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who’s helped lead a top-ten offense in three of his four seasons as a coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys.
Herbert is set to make an average of $52.5 million per season with the Chargers, topping Patrick Mahomes and several other top earners. Next up will be Joe Burrow, who’s now expected to top Herbert’s figure with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Related: See where Justin Herbert ranks among starting QBs today