Chargers make QB Herbert NFL's best paid player
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is the latest to earn the title of "highest-paid player in NFL history." On the eve of Chargers training camp, Herbert agreed to a five-year contract extension worth US$262.5 million, several outlets reported Tuesday. The Chargers later confirmed a multi-year extension with Herbert without confirming financial terms. The US$52.5 million average annual value surpasses the previous record set by Lamar Jackson, who signed a five-year, US$260 million extension with the Baltimore Ravens this offseason – shortly after Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a five-year, US$255 million deal. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is also due for an extension that could top Herbert's figure. Herbert's deal includes nearly US$219 million in guaranteed money, along with incentives that could take the final figure to US$265 million, NFL Network and CBS Sports reported. Herbert won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2020 after the Chargers selected him sixth overall out of Oregon in the 2020 NFL Draft, the third quarterback off the board behind Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins. Herbert was a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and earned MVP votes for the first time last year, when he threw for 4,739 yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while guiding the Chargers to the playoffs. In 49 career games (all starts), Herbert has completed 1,316 passes for 14,089 yards in both cases, the most through a player's first three seasons in NFL history. He's amassed 94 touchdowns and 35 interceptions while completing 66.9 percent of his passes. (Reuters)