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Lindsey ThiryESPN
PHOENIX – The Los Angeles Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert have entered negotiations concerning a long-term contract extension.
“These talks are ongoing,” coach Brandon Staley mentioned on the NFL’s annual league assembly. “We’re originally of all that, however all understand how we really feel about him.”
Herbert, 25, grew to become eligible to barter and signal a deal on the conclusion of the season.
Throughout the 2022 season, Herbert passed 2012 No. 1 pick Andrew Luck for the most passing yards by way of a quarterback’s first three seasons. The 2020 No. 6 choose has amassed 14,089 passing yards and 94 touchdowns with 35 interceptions, and final season, he led the Chargers to their first playoff berth since 2018.
He’s anticipated to earn an extension price greater than $50 million per season in a quarterback market that’s anticipated to bustle with the Cincinnati Bengals‘ Joe Burrow and Philadelphia Eagles‘ Jalen Hurts, each of whom have made Tremendous Bowl appearances, additionally being eligible to signal extensions.
At the moment, solely Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers makes over $50 million per season at $50.27 million, in accordance with ESPN’s Roster Administration System.
“Navigating this course of, we now have an excellent relationship along with his staff,” Staley mentioned. “I’m assured that Justin Herbert goes to be our quarterback for a very long time and that we’ll ensure that we get a deal achieved.”
The Chargers group haven’t shared a timeline through which they want to strike a deal however have expressed optimism in regards to the scenario.
“[We’ve got to] simply be affected person,” Staley mentioned when requested if he would love a deal achieved earlier than coaching camp. “However the main takeaway is that Justin Herbert goes to be our quarterback, and we’re so excited that he’s main our franchise.”
Herbert is scheduled to earn $4.23 million within the fourth season of his rookie deal.
The Chargers nonetheless should train the fifth-year choice, one thing normal supervisor Tom Telesco referred to as a “formality,” indicating it might be achieved forward of the Might 1 deadline.
Herbert this season will probably be underneath the steerage of latest offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who was employed Jan. 30, shortly after he parted methods with the Dallas Cowboys.
“We all know the bodily expertise. He clearly does an incredible job,” Moore mentioned of Herbert at his introductory information convention. “I’m actually, actually excited to have the ability to work with him.”
After present process surgical procedure on the labrum in his left shoulder on Jan. 25, it stays unclear what Herbert’s participation degree will probably be when the Chargers open their offseason program subsequent month, with exercises beginning in late Might.
“I do not know when precisely he’ll be cleared,” Telesco mentioned. “We’ll sort of see the place he’s as we get into like most likely extra Might 1.”
Telesco, nevertheless, didn’t categorical any concern about Herbert’s restoration.
“Good factor is, his surgical procedure is a typical surgical procedure,” Telesco mentioned. “Simply sort of see the place he’s in his rehab and see what we’re really doing on the sphere.”