Justin Herbert holdout? Los Angeles Chargers QB doesn't rule it out

Three years after bursting onto the scene, stealing the hearts of every Los Angeles Chargers fan in existence and several other non-Bolts fans, Justin Herbert is now due for a contract extension for the first time since joining the NFL in 2020.

While Herbert still has two years left on his rookie contract, the trend for proven, star quarterbacks has been to ink a long-term extension before they start their fourth season, as the former sixth overall pick is doing now.

With that knowledge on both sides of the discussion, the Chargers’ front office and Herbert’s agency have been discussing an extension, but so far a deal does not appear close. Generally, teams and players prefer to get these business negotiations out of the way before training camp begins.

Training camp dates for 2023 still haven’t been set, but last year the Chargers opened camp on July 27. On Wednesday, the 25-year-old Pro Bowler was asked if he’d consider holding out of practices, or in this case, a ‘hold-in’ that sees him show up but not participate. Here was Herbert’s answer:

“The role of the quarterback is to be out there for his team and to do everything he can to put that team in a position to win. I understand that responsibility. It’s something that we’ll address when the time comes, but I guess we’ll see.”
Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert on potential hold-in

Herbert will have a base salary of $4.2 million in 2023 and a cap hit of $8.4 million. Once his fifth-year contract option kicks in during 2024, Herbert will be on the books for $29.5 million. But those numbers still pale in comparison to what he can expect on his eventual new contract.

Lamar Jackson is the NFL’s top earner, with an average salary of $52 million. Unlike Jackson, Herbert has never won an NFL MVP award, and he’s also not a dual-threat option. Yet, that may also work in his favor in a way, as he’s not viewed to be as injury-prone.

Chances are Herbert’s agency is keeping a very close watch on Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, who is also due to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid QBs. Will the Chargers strike before the Bengals, setting the market for the next generation of gunslingers?