Justin Herbert’s Record-Shattering $262M Deal: What the Mega Extension Means for the Chargers and the NFL

Los Angeles Chargers star quarterback Justin Herbert is finally suiting up for live action this weekend, making his long-awaited preseason debut against the crosstown Rams at SoFi Stadium. Head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed the plan on Thursday, noting that the 27-year-old signal-caller will play one or two series to “feel a real pass rush” before the regular-season opener. Herbert, who signed a record-setting extension last summer, has never taken a preseason snap since entering the NFL as the 2020 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. His insistence on testing a live pocket this August underscores a renewed commitment to durability after last season’s rib and finger ailments. According to multiple reports, the Oregon product pushed coaches and medical staff for the cameo to sharpen timing with a revamped receiving corps that now features first-round rookie Malik Nabers and veteran deep threat Mike Williams. Fantasy football managers will be watching Herbert’s chemistry with new offensive coordinator Greg Roman, whose run-heavy system is expected to unlock more play-action shots downfield. Roman said the staff has emphasized Herbert’s mobility and red-zone decisiveness in camp, areas that stalled during the Chargers’ late-season collapse in 2024. Beyond the gridiron, Herbert’s personal life is trending after paparazzi photos surfaced of the quarterback dining in West Hollywood with pop singer Madison Beer, sparking fresh dating rumors. While neither party has commented publicly, the buzz adds another layer of spotlight as Herbert enters what analysts are calling a potential MVP campaign. Key takeaways for Chargers fans and searchers: Herbert is healthy, hungry for live reps, and set to face Aaron Donald’s pass rush in a controlled preseason cameo; the quarterback’s on-field performance under Roman’s scheme will offer the first real data point for fantasy projections; and off-field interest in his rumored relationship is likely to keep him in entertainment headlines throughout training camp. With Herbert back under center—even briefly—Saturday’s exhibition suddenly carries regular-season intrigue, making it must-watch football for Bolts backers, fantasy players, and NFL neutrals alike.