Chargers News: NFL Analyst Evaluates How Justin Herbert's Contract Reshapes LA's Narrative

Mo money, Mo problems

The big story going into training camp was quarterback Justin Herbert and his contract extension. For months, experts were predicting what that number would be and when it would be coming. 

LA wasted no time, as at the start of training camp, Herbert and the Chargers agreed to a mega deal up for five years worth $262.5 million. Herbert will get an average annual salary of $52.5 million, the highest in NFL history. 

More than well deserved, as he's proven to be one of the most talented QBs this game has to offer today. However, with that gigantic contract comes immense expectations. Things will be different now, whether that's for the better or worse for LA and their franchise quarterback. As the old adage goes, 'Mo Money, Mo Problems,' and that will be the case for Justin. 

NFL analyst and former defensive end Marcus Spears touched on that during Monday night countdown on ESPN and said the pressure falls on Herbert due to the new contract and the target he now has on his back. 

“The perspective changes, ‘mo money, mo problems.’ We look at you differently once you get the bag. And we scrutinize you on a different level, and we also assert what type of success you should have when you get paid this type of money. All of the onus is on Justin Herbert now. And we could talk about Brandon Staley, and how bad it was, and how he managed the game against Jacksonville; if Justin Herbert last year would have had $262 million contract, guess who we would have talked about losing in Jacksonville? We would have talked about Justin Herbert. And I just think you get more pressure within that situation."

(via ESPN, Marcus Spears)

That's the truth of the matter. When you get paid like a big-time player, you're supposed to play like it, no matter the cost. Things will be different when you talk about the Chargers, and it will all fall on Justin Herbert to lead this team somewhere they've never been before. 

It's all sunshine and smiles when you sign a big contract like that, but reality will soon set in, and if LA is not winning or meeting expectations, there will be a problem. 

This is what comes with the money, and hopefully, number 10 is ready for the challenge. We'll find out soon enough.