Quarterback Justin Herbert and the Chargers have come to terms, which is a fully guaranteed four-year rookie deal worth nearly $26.6 million with a fifth-year option on Saturday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
This would mark the second rookie that Los Angeles has agreed to terms with. Earlier this week, sixth-round pick Alohi Gilman signed his rookie contract.
Drafted with the No. 6 overall selection of this year’s draft, Herbert will join L.A. with the hopes of becoming the long-term answer after the team and Philip Rivers parted ways after 16 seasons.
In 44 career games at Oregon, Herbert completed 827-of-1,293 pass attempts for 10,541 passing yards (64%), 95 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. He started 14 games in 2019, completing 286-of-428 passes (67%) for 3,471 yards, 32 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Herbert’s game is not flawless and there are a few things he needs to work on, but he has the size, arm talent, mobility and above-average accuracy. With the new system, mentorship from quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton and the weapons that Los Angeles has in place, he could succeed in the league.
It remains to be seen when Herbert will make his professional debut. Even though he will be battling it out with Tyrod Taylor in training camp, it’s likely that the 30-year old Taylor will begin the season as the starter.