“Hope For the Best”: Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert Discusses Contract Extension

Posted on by Jack Marks

After just two seasons in the NFL, Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert has the best start of any quarterback in league history, shattering several records. The only quarterback to throw 30-plus touchdown passes in each of his first two seasons, Herbert leads the league in completions (839) and passing yards (9,350) over the first two seasons of his career. In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Chargers picked him with the sixth overall pick.

After Tyrod Taylor sustained a punctured lung in the pregame, Herbert started the Chargers‘ second game of his first season. He continued to start for the remainder of the season and broke several rookie marks, such as the most touchdown passes and 300-yard games, earning him the title of AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Los Angeles Chargers Justin Herbert

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is one of the guys who will be able to sign a contract after this season and could gain from the increase in quarterback compensation.

Justin Herbert feels everyone is doing the right things as he negotiates an extension with Los Angeles Chargers

“We haven’t discussed anything, but I’ve been so fortunate to play for the Chargers,” Herbert told CBS Sports.

“Whatever happens, happens. I’m just so excited to be here and play football. This has been a great opportunity, and I don’t wish it went any other way.”

“I love that I was drafted here and that I have been able to play here. I think we’re doing all the right things. I believe in the staff, all the teammates, the front office. So all I can do is hope for the best. It’s out of my control, but I’ll keep playing football.”

Both this season and in 2023, he is expected to earn $7.248 million in compensation. The fifth-year option is also a possibility for the Chargers in 2024. One of the greatest second-year quarterback seasons in NFL history was Herbert’s in 2021. He became just the third athlete to throw for at least 5,000 yards in a season in one of his first two years, completing 65.9% of his throws for 5,014 yards with 38 touchdowns to 15 interceptions and a passer rating of 97.9. (Patrick Mahomes and Dan Marino are the others).