Justin Herbert on contract extension: ‘I feel free’

Newly-extended Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert had no time for short passes in day one of training camp in Costa Mesa, Calif.

According to multiple reports, including from The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Herbert completed multiple deep passes Wednesday: a deep ball down the left side to Joshua Palmer with Asante Samuel Jr. in tight coverage, one to Mike Williams down the right sideline, one to Keenan Allen down the left sideline and a 50-yard touchdown to former Eagle John Hightower deep down the middle of the field.

With a long-term contract extension and an edict to “let it rip” from new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Herbert has nothing to fear — on or off the field.

“I feel free, and just excited to go play football,” Herbert told reporters Wednesday.

The next professional challenge for Herbert comes thanks to the NFL’s rookie wage scale.

The rule, implemented in 2010, pre-determines rookie contracts by draft position. First-round picks receive four-year deals with a fifth-year option. All other draft picks receive standard four-year deals. This avoids having to immediately give out large contracts to unproven players.

Signing a proven player like a quarterback to a second contract is when things get interesting for the team, and for the quarterback. As far as the Chargers go, they are projected to be $50.42M over the cap for 2024 following Herbert’s extension. Players like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Khalil Mack could soon become premium commodities the team can no longer afford.

That’s the gamble with signing a quarterback to a big extension in the modern NFL. Teams must hope that the quarterback is among the league’s elite to the point of being able to carry a roster that will likely be inferior to those of the quarterback’s rookie deal, and hope the front office is able to consistently hit on draft picks.

Herbert has displayed immense on-field talent, just without the playoff success. With Moore calling plays and head coach Brandon Staley’s defensive program entering it’s fourth year, it would be shocking if that didn’t come in the next two seasons. But from there, Herbert is going to have to consistently elevate his game as the surrounding talent wanes.