Chargers’ Herbert Becomes the Highest-Paid Player in NFL History

The Los Angeles Chargers and their quarterback, Justin Herbert, have agreed to a five-year extension worth $262.5 million. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys and one of the leading cornerbacks in the NFL, Trevon Diggs, have inked a $97 million, five-year extension.

Justin Herbert Becomes Highest-Paid NFL Player Ever

The 25-year-old decided to commit his future with the franchise from LA and stay in the City of Angels until the end of the 2029 season. His deal will have an average annual salary of $52.5 million, which is the most in the NFL. Herbert left behind fellow quarterbacks Jalen Hurts with $51 million and Lamar Jackson with $52 million.

Herbert will get $133.7 million in full guarantees and $193.7 million in injury guarantees. 

Throughout his short NFL career, Herbert showed that he has immense talent and can lead the franchise to big things. After being picked at No.6 in the 2020 NFL Draft, he immediately became a starter due to Tyrod Taylor’s injury. In 49 appearances for the Chargers, Herbert has 25 wins and 24 losses, with one playoff appearance this year, and a loss. 

This Justin Herbert TD pass is still jaw-dropping to me. pic.twitter.com/rSpCP2EggP

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 25, 2023

After three seasons, Herbert broke Andrew Luck’s record for the most yards passed during that time, 14,089, and completed passes, 1,316. What’s the most important data is that he has 94 touchdowns, at least 25 in each of the first three seasons.

So it is no wonder why the Chargers wanted to seal the deal with him right away, despite having two more years on the current rookie contract. They want to become a relevant team in the NFL and, at some point, attack the Super Bowl. Herbert will have superb weapons around himself, with some of the top names in its positions in the NFL, like the running back, Austin Ekeler, or the receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The Chargers also drafted Quentin Johnson as the first-round pick this season. 

Diggs Stays in Dallas

Trevon Diggs signed a five-year $97 million extension. The contract includes a $21.25 million signing bonus, with $42.3 million guaranteed money. It is also revealed that the deal will include certain incentives, which could rise the overall sum to $104 million. His average annual salary will be the fifth-highest among the CBs in the NFL. 

One of the best cornerbacks in the league was supposed to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2023 season, so Dallas wanted to ensure his presence in Texas and avoid any possibility of losing the player. 

Cowboys, CB Trevon Diggs agree to 5-year, $97M contract extension. (via @TomPelissero, @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/gCV0QS5yHb

— NFL (@NFL) July 25, 2023

The 25-year-old was picked as the 51st selection at the 2020 NFL draft. He exploded in 2021, having 11 interceptions, the highest in the league, starting the season with at least one pick in the opening six events. From that moment on, his level of play has been fantastic and it is no wonder why Jerry Jones wanted him to stay. 

The Cowboys are ahead of a very important season. They either have to do something big or enter a serious rebuild, possibly without the current head coach, Mike McCarthy. The analysts suggest that after today’s deal, the front office will try to negotiate long-term agreements with the wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb, and the right tackle Terence Steele.