NFL: Chargers Hope To Get Future Boost With Justin Herbert Four-Year Deal

Justin Herbert unsurprisingly got a four-year offer from the Los Angeles Chargers, though he still has a lot of work ahead of him. The 22-year-old player out of Oregon was deemed the third-best quarterback in the 2020 NFL Draft, but his lack of confidence is something that needs addressing.

According to the NFL Network, Herbert and the Chargers agreed to a four-year fully guaranteed contract that is worth roughly $26.6 million. The deal includes a fifth-year player option for Herbert.

If Herbert can prove his worth on the field, he could be the next franchise leader for the Chargers. It has yet to be known if Herbert will immediately get the starting nod for the Chargers. Unless he shows something that impresses head coach Anthony Lynn, the 22-year-old rookie is likely to play behind Tyrod Taylor for now.

Herbert was drafted by the Chargers with the sixth overall pick. He was a no-brainer option for the Chargers following the exit of Philip Rivers. The 38-year-old quarterback opted to join the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason. If the Herbert deal pans out, he could evolve in the same way Rivers did when he joined the Chargers in 2004.

For now, Taylor will try to hold up the fort for Los Angeles. The 30-year-old player has proven he can call the plays and carry the team on his shoulders. This buys Herbert time as he tries to adjust to the professional style of football. If he stands out, he could get the chance to start for the Chargers at some point starting this coming NFL season.

But similar to the concerns of NFL critics before the draft, his self-confidence will be under scrutiny. The 22-year-old raised some concerns when he admitted that he was a bit uncertain about what he could bring to the NFL. That revelation was seen as a red flag by most, though Herbert could negate all that when he takes the field.

Looking at his college performance, Herbert is showing promise. He threw for 3,471 yards with a 66.8 completion percentage and 32 touchdowns to just six interceptions during his senior year with the Oregon Ducks, NFL.com reported.

Though he lacks the hype that Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa are getting, he does have physical tools to shut down critics. At 6-foot-6 and 236 pounds, Herbert may be the tallest player at center.