Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has signed the richest deal ever for an NFL player via a five-year, $262.5 million contract extension to keep him with the franchise through 2029.
Herbert is the third quarterback this offseason to set the NFL’s contract record, following the $260 million extension the Baltimore Ravens gave Lamar Jackson and the $255 million deal the Philadelphia Eagles gave Jalen Hurts. Herbert is also the second quarterback ever to get $200 million in guaranteed salary, as his new deal’s $218M guaranteed ranks only behind the $230 million fully guaranteed deal Deshaun Watson signed with the Cleveland Browns.
It’s been a busy NFL offseason for players getting record contracts, as left tackle Andrew Thomas re-signed with the New York Giants on a five-year $117.5 million extension that includes an offensive-line record $67M fully guaranteed at signing, according to Adam Schefter.
Since entering the NFL as this sixth overall pick in 2020, Herbert has thrown for 14,089 yards with 94 touchdowns and 35 interceptions while compiling a 96.2 passer rating. However, he has yet to lead the Chargers to a playoff win in his three seasons.
Here’s a look at the NFL’s five highest-paid quarterbacks for 2023, per Spotrac.
| Rank | Player | Team | Average Salary |
| 1 | Justin Herbert | Chargers | $52.5M |
| 2 | Lamar Jackson | Ravens | $52M |
| 3 | Jalen Hurts | Eagles | $51.3M |
| 4 | Aaron Rodgers | Jets | $50.2M |
| 5 | Russell Wilson | Broncos | $48.5M |
