NFL Highest Earner: Herbert’s Historic $262.5M 5-Year Deal

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The Los Angeles Chargers and their star quarterback Justin Herbert have shaken hands on a five-year contract extension worth a whopping $262.5 million, setting a new precedent as the NFL most lucrative deal in terms of annual average salary.

The monumental contract will see Herbert pocketing a full guarantee of $133.7 million, with the deal swelling up to $193.7 million inclusive of injury guarantees. Activation of options a year ahead could potentially boost the guarantee to a staggering $218.7 million. Though the Chargers have publicly affirmed the contract extension with Herbert, the specifics remain undisclosed.

Rapid Rise and Consistent Excellence: Justice Herbert’s NFL Journey

The Chargers saw potential in Herbert when they selected him as the No. 6 overall pick during the 2020 Draft. While the team hasn’t tasted significant playoff success under his helm, Herbert’s individual performance has been a pleasant surprise, surpassing most initial projections.

Having made his debut in 2020, the now 25-year-old Herbert swiftly emerged as a force to be reckoned with, making 15 starts and delivering one of the most impressive rookie quarterback seasons to date. He capped off his debut year with the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, having completed 66.6 percent of his passes for 4,336 yards, culminating in 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Herbert’s sophomore season only added to his reputation as he posted career-high figures of 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns, completing 65.9 percent of his passes, even though interceptions also increased to 15. His impressive performance earned him his maiden Pro Bowl recognition, despite the Chargers failing to secure a playoff spot with a loss in their final regular season game. 

In 2022, even with a slight dip in his numbers, Herbert guided the Chargers to the playoffs, finishing with a 10-7 record. He still posted commendable figures, achieving a career-best completion percentage of 68.2, 4,739 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

Herbert’s first foray into the playoffs seemed promising as the Chargers raced to a 27-0 lead against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Wild Card Round. However, they found themselves at the receiving end of one of the NFL’s greatest comebacks, eventually losing 31-30.

Regardless of this setback, there’s no denying Herbert’s standing as one of the premier young quarterbacks in the League, making this gargantuan contract an anticipated move. NFL Lines will certainly be favorable to the Chargers now that Herbert is remaining in LA for the foreseeable future.

Now its time for the NFL Chargers to prove they can win

The Chargers, by securing Herbert for the foreseeable future, have virtually assured their presence in the playoff race, and potentially in contention for the Super Bowl, for several seasons ahead.

While the franchise’s history has included Hall of Fame quarterbacks like Dan Fouts, Drew Brees, and Philip Rivers, they have struggled to convert these individual talents into team successes. However, with the addition of Herbert and a star-studded lineup that includes Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Rashawn Slater, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson, and Derwin James, the Chargers are aiming to alter their narrative.

Injury setbacks notwithstanding, the Chargers, guided by Herbert’s brilliance, have remained a competitive force in recent years. Herbert’s outstanding abilities and the strategic acumen of head coach Brandon Staley promise an optimistic future for the team, NFL Odds should favor them. Last season, the Chargers managed to secure a playoff spot following a near-miss in the previous season – a testament to the team’s potential under Herbert’s leadership and this new era for Chargers football that has just begun.