Herbert contract talks `ongoing'
ROLLING HILLS ESTATES » The news Monday was that there was no news.
“Ongoing,” was how Chargers coach Brandon Staley described negotiations for what could prove to be a record-shattering contract extension for Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert, who put it this way: “I wish I could give you an update. I don't think much has changed since we last spoke.”
Herbert last spoke publicly at the NFL draft April 27.
“I've got complete faith in the Chargers organization,” Herbert said during the team's annual charity golf tournament at Rolling Hills Country Club. “They've done such a great job of taking care of us. My message really hasn't changed. It's been an honor to be a part of this team. It's great to come to events such as this. Whatever happens, happens. It's out of my control at this point.”
Herbert, the NFL's second-leading passer last season behind Patrick Mahomes of the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, is eligible for an extension, but there's no guarantee that it will be completed before the season begins Sept. 10. His $26.6 million rookie contract runs through the 2024 season.
Lamar Jackson set a new benchmark for the league's quarterbacks at a lofty $260 million when he re-signed for five years with the Baltimore Ravens. Jalen Hurts of the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles signed his new five-year deal for $255 million. Herbert could leapfrog them both with his new contract.
Herbert and the Chargers
also could opt to get his extension done during the next off-season.
“That's a good question,” he said of waiting. “I think that's something you have to address and you have to think about. My job at this point is just to play quarterback and be the best leader and quarterback I can be, and so I'm doing everything I can to rehab and get back and make sure my shoulder is ready for the season.”
Herbert referred to offseason surgery on his left, non-throwing, shoulder. He has been throwing on the sidelines during recent OTAs, but he expects to pick up his activity this week and also next week, when the Chargers hold a two-day minicamp at their practice facility in Costa Mesa.
“I feel a lot better,” he said of his physical status going into the final days of OTAs. “The shoulder is holding up. Been able to lift quite a bit more, (do) conditioning. So, picking up more, especially upper body-wise. It has been tough and unlike any other off-season for me, but you have to find a way to make it work.
“I think the plan this week is to play in seven-onseven and be able to throw and have some of those live reps. I know the doctors were worried about the fast-twitch (muscle fiber) motion of being able to react and make sure everything is stable. Working on handoffs, the shoulder is still working through that stability.
“There's been a lot of improvement, but we're still being cautious and making sure we're ready to go in July when it's most important.”
The Chargers begin training camp in late July in Costa Mesa.
Staley declined to comment about the possibility of signing free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who recently included Herbert on a short list of quarterbacks he'd like to play alongside. Herbert said he was flattered to hear Hopkins say that he would like the chance to play with the Chargers.
Herbert said he met Hopkins at a recent fishing tournament in Miami.
“It's really cool for him to say that,” Herbert said of Hopkins. “I think that's really high praise. I've got a lot of respect for him. So, to hear that, that's really cool. I think that decision is kind of out of my paygrade. That's (a decision) for the front office to make. He's obviously a very talented, special player.”