How will Justin Herbert’s Contract Affect the Chargers’ future?

The Chargers finally locked down the face of the franchise to a massive contract. This is an absolute victory for the Chargers franchise, as quarterbacks as good as Herbert do not come often. With a healthy Herbert, the Chargers will be a threat for years to come. However, the best chance for a Super Bowl is not because of the impact his contract will have on the team’s future.

The record-breaking player gets the record-breaking contract that will force the Chargers’ front office to have to make some very difficult decisions as soon as next season.

Win now, pay later

The Rams not too long ago went all in on bringing in Mathew Stafford on a large contract. It resulted in a Super Bowl win, then a disaster of a season to follow. The chargers are going all in as well, without having to trade anything to get their signal caller. What is similar to the Rams’ situation is that they will have to let go of some big-name players in the next few seasons.

The Chargers’ offseason was a careful one, as they started out negative in salary cap space available. They managed to backload the contracts of wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, as well as edges Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. This freed just enough to bring in veteran linebacker Eric Hendricks. Because of the Chargers using every cent to be able to keep most of the same players and add one, they already had salary issues to come with Herbert’s cheaper rookie contract.

Key names will have to leave

There was no question that the Chargers had to keep Herbert. Unfortunately, that comes along with not being able to afford the longtime Chargers players still on the team. The list as follows will be on the chopping block as early as this season’s trade deadline, but more likely next offseason.

• Mike Williams
• Keenan Allen
• Khalil Mack
• Austin Ekeler
• Gerald Everett 
• Corey Linsley

The Chargers currently have the highest-paid wide receiver duo in NFL history with Williams and Allen. No team can afford two great receivers for long, which is why it rarely happens. This current team is a true Win Now team in the way their roster is constructed. With general manager Tom Telesco and Head coach Brandon Staley on the hot seat, they need to win now and have a generational quarterback to do it with.

Stay tuned for more breaking NFL content, including midseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.

Featured image courtesy of Chargers.com

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