Los Angeles Chargers star Justin Herbert could land a record-breaking contract in the near future, as talks over a new deal have already begun.
The money within sport continues to rise globally, and it's not surprising that with each year financial records are being broken with bigger and better contracts. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes set a new sporting first when signing a decade-long £405million ($500m) deal, and both DeShaun Watson and Aaron Rodgers have since secured higher yearly salaries.
The next wave of quarterback talent is upon us, with Herbert and Joe Burrow the next in line to secure ground-breaking deals in the NFL. Herbert is ahead of Burrow in contract talks, and it's 'expected' that his Chargers extension could be the largest we've seen in the league.
The 25-year-old was selected sixth overall by the Chargers in the 2020 NFL Draft, and after being named offensive rookie of the year Herbert has seen a steady improvement in his game. Herbert led the Chargers to the postseason for the first time last season, but somehow they surrendered a 30-point lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wildcard Weekend.
Herbert is a real talent, someone that head coach Brandon Staley wants to ensure remains with the Chargers for a "very long time". And to make sure they tie him down, he is expected to be offered 'Aaron Rodgers type money' according to CBS.
When Rodgers signed his three-year extension with the Green Bay Packers in March 2022, he became the first NFL star to receive upwards of £45m ($50m) a season. And that could be the matched by the Chargers as they look to secure Herbert for the long-term.
Herbert isn't the only quarterback eyeing a bumper deal, as Lamar Jackson is holding out for a huge pay day after rejecting a five-year £208.5m ($250m) deal with the Baltimore Ravens last season. Jackson believes he is worth more, and is hoping another team comes calling after requesting a trade on March 2.
If a huge deal is completed between Herbert and the Chargers, pressure will also be on the Cincinnati Bengals to follow suit with Burrow. Herbert and Burrow were both in the same draft class, although the Bengals star was not only the no.1 pick, he's made a Super Bowl appearance.
Staley is confident that the Chargers will complete a deal with Herbert, and said: "[We've got to] just be patient. But the major takeaway is that Justin Herbert is going to be our quarterback, and we're so excited that he is leading our franchise."
