Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley has provided an update on the future of quarterback Justin Herbert.
Herbert has been the Chargers ’ starting QB since being drafted as the number six-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He’s thrown a total of 14,089 yards with 95 passing touchdowns.
The 25-year-old is about to enter the fourth year of the same five-year rookie contract he signed when he joined the Chargers. He is set to earn $4.23 million (£3.41m) and was eligible for a contract extension after the conclusion of last season.
It’s been expected that Herbert will be handed a new and improved contract with the Chargers during the NFL off-season. However, as it stands, nothing has been agreed between the franchise and the quarterback.
Staley was attending a team charity golf event on Monday, where he was asked about the current situation regarding Herbert’s contract. According to ESPN , he responded by simply saying “ongoing”, before teeing off in the golf tournament.
Herbert is still recovering from a shoulder injury he suffered in the Chargers Week 17 game against the Los Angeles Rams in January. After taking part in the latest round of organised team activities (OTA), the quarterback has resumed throwing drills in recent days.
Back in April, Herbert was asked about the situation around his future with the Chargers. The QB stated that he is grateful for how the team has treated him since he became part of the franchise.
"They've done such a great job of taking care of us and my message really hasn't changed," Herbert said in April . "It's been an honor to be a part of this team. It's great to come to events like this and whatever happens, happens and it's out of my control at this point."
The same topic was put to Herbert again this week, as he spoke to reporters after a Chargers OTA. On Monday, the 25-year-old was asked how he would feel about the prospect of playing in the fourth year of a rookie contract, and gave an honest answer.
"That's a good question. I think that's something you have to address and you have to think about," said Herbert. "My job at this point is just to play quarterback and to be the best leader, quarterback and teammate that I can be. So I'm doing everything I can to rehab, get back and make sure my shoulder is ready for this season."
Herbert helped the Charges finish second in the AFC West last season, with a 10-7 record. The Chargers reached the NFL playoffs, but lost in the wild card round to the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Herbert undergoing surgery soon after the defeat.
