After leaving early, Justin Herbert’s contract is discussed in relation to the NFL playoffs.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, players often find themselves caught at the intersection of personal performance, team success, and contract negotiations. One player who has garnered significant attention in this respect is Justin Herbert, the talented young quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers. Herbert’s remarkable career thus far has been defined by a mixture of impressive individual achievements and, unfortunately, early playoff disappointments. As the Chargers’ franchise quarterback, Herbert has developed into one of the league’s brightest stars, but the focus on his contract has taken on a new urgency, especially in the wake of an early exit from the 2025 NFL playoffs.

Herbert, who entered the NFL in 2020 as the sixth overall pick, has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could lead the Chargers to championship contention. With an arm capable of making any throw on the field and a calm, collected demeanor that belies his youth, Herbert is seen by many as one of the most promising quarterbacks of his generation. However, despite his personal success, the Chargers have struggled to translate his individual talents into sustained playoff runs, and the team’s inability to progress deep into the postseason has raised questions about his future contract and the franchise’s direction.

This article explores the implications of Herbert’s early playoff exit, the current state of his contract, and how his performance in the postseason could influence future negotiations. As the Chargers aim to build a team that can compete for championships, the discussion of Herbert’s contract in the context of his early playoff experiences offers insight into both his future and the franchise’s long-term plans.

Justin Herbert’s Career to Date

Before diving into the contract discussion, it’s essential to understand the context of Justin Herbert’s rise in the NFL. After a standout career at the University of Oregon, Herbert was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2020 NFL Draft. His entry into the league was met with immediate success, as he quickly established himself as the starter and set multiple rookie records, including for passing touchdowns and total yards.

Herbert’s strong arm, mobility, and ability to perform under pressure made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league. Over the course of his first few seasons, he continued to build upon that foundation, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and developing into one of the top quarterbacks in the AFC. Despite his individual success, however, the Chargers have struggled to find consistency as a team. The franchise has failed to make a deep playoff run, with early postseason exits proving to be a constant theme during Herbert’s tenure.

Herbert’s performance in the regular season has never been in doubt, but his ability to elevate his game in high-stakes postseason situations remains a key point of discussion. As he continues to mature as a player, the need for the Chargers to build a competitive team around him becomes all the more pressing. The team’s management, coaching staff, and even Herbert himself are all acutely aware that playoff victories and championships will be the ultimate measures of his legacy.

The Chargers’ Early Exit from the 2025 Playoffs

In the 2025 NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers entered the playoffs with high expectations, particularly given Herbert’s continued progression as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. The Chargers boasted a potent offense, with Herbert at the helm, and a defense that showed promise. However, their playoff hopes were dashed early, as they suffered a disappointing defeat in the opening round of the postseason.

The loss was a blow not only to the team but to Herbert’s reputation as well. Although he performed admirably throughout the regular season, leading the Chargers to a playoff berth, the early exit raised concerns about his ability to perform in the postseason. This early playoff failure led to intense discussions regarding Herbert’s future with the team, the effectiveness of the Chargers’ supporting cast, and the broader implications of his contract negotiations.

Despite the loss, Herbert’s individual performance was not the primary cause of the team’s early exit. In fact, he put up impressive numbers, throwing for multiple touchdowns and keeping the game close in the later stages. However, questions about his ability to perform in high-pressure playoff environments began to swirl. In some circles, his failure to deliver in the postseason raised doubts about his long-term potential as the franchise’s quarterback.

For the Chargers’ front office, this early exit added another layer of complexity to Herbert’s contract situation. As the face of the franchise, Herbert’s contract will undoubtedly play a key role in the team’s future financial flexibility and roster construction. The challenge for general manager Tom Telesco and head coach Brandon Staley is to balance Herbert’s considerable contract demands with the need to build a Super Bowl-contending team around him.

The Contract Situation: What’s at Stake for Herbert?

Justin Herbert’s current contract situation is a significant factor in the ongoing discussions surrounding his future with the Chargers. As the sixth overall pick in the 2020 draft, Herbert signed a standard rookie contract, which, according to NFL rules, lasts for four years with a fifth-year team option. His rookie deal, worth approximately $26 million, has allowed the Chargers to build around him while not taking up a large portion of the salary cap. However, with the expiration of his rookie deal on the horizon, Herbert is due for a substantial contract extension that will likely make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.

While Herbert’s current contract has been an asset to the team, the looming extension brings with it significant financial considerations. In the current NFL market, quarterbacks of Herbert’s caliber routinely sign contracts worth over $40 million per year, with the top-tier quarterbacks regularly pushing the boundaries of the salary cap. Herbert’s new contract is expected to be no different, and the Chargers will have to weigh the financial implications of such a deal.

How Herbert’s Performance in the Playoffs Impacts His Contract Negotiations

The timing of Justin Herbert’s contract extension is particularly sensitive, as the Chargers’ front office must consider both his individual performance and the team’s broader playoff aspirations when determining how much to pay him. A quarterback of Herbert’s caliber is a rare commodity, and his potential to lead the Chargers to a Super Bowl will heavily influence the terms of his next contract.

The franchise will likely take Herbert’s performance in the 2025 playoffs into account during negotiations. While his individual stats and growth as a player are undeniable, the failure to win in the postseason could make the Chargers hesitant to give him a contract that reflects the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. This is especially true if the team believes that the lack of postseason success is not entirely due to Herbert’s play but rather a result of a larger team issue—whether that be coaching, roster construction, or lack of supporting talent.

On the other hand, if Herbert is able to lead the team to a deep playoff run in future seasons, his value would only increase. The ability to prove himself as a winner in the postseason would solidify his case for one of the richest contracts in NFL history. If Herbert can overcome the playoff hurdle and guide the Chargers to a Super Bowl appearance or victory, he would undoubtedly be in line for a historic payday, one that reflects his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

Moreover, Herbert’s competitive nature and leadership qualities could also play a significant role in his negotiations. His resilience and ability to handle adversity, both on and off the field, have already earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike. If Herbert continues to display maturity and growth in the postseason, both his on-field success and off-field leadership could help him command a top-tier contract.

Chargers’ Strategy for Team Building Moving Forward

For the Chargers, the next few years will be crucial in determining their future as a contender in the AFC. The team has already made some significant moves to improve its roster, including acquiring talent on both sides of the ball. However, Herbert’s future contract and the team’s salary cap situation will play a major role in how they continue to build the roster.

If Herbert signs a lucrative extension, the Chargers will have less financial flexibility to address other areas of need, such as the defense, offensive line, and additional weapons in the receiving game. The front office will have to navigate the delicate balance between rewarding Herbert for his performance and making sure that the team has the resources necessary to surround him with the talent needed for a Super Bowl run.

To that end, the Chargers will need to continue to address areas of weakness, such as improving their offensive line play, strengthening their defense, and potentially adding more playmakers on offense. Additionally, the team will have to evaluate its coaching staff and consider any necessary changes to ensure that Herbert has the right support system in place to succeed in high-pressure playoff situations.