Chargers' Justin Herbert welcomes AFC competition at quarterback

Quarterback Justin Herbert now knows his Los Angeles Chargers will have to deal with both New York Jets signal-caller Aaron Rodgers and returning Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson as AFC opposition next season. 

"[Rodgers is] an awfully great quarterback," Herbert told Ryan Gaydos and Larry Fink of Fox News Digital following the signal-caller's trade to the Jets. "Obviously, very talented. Being a part of the AFC, it’s always a great opportunity to play against those guys. We got so much respect for him as a quarterback, as a player, and as a leader. The AFC is definitely a tough division but looking forward to the challenges."

The Chargers will face Rodgers and the Jets at MetLife Stadium during the 2023 season on a date that will be announced during the NFL schedule release next month. Los Angeles will also host Baltimore during the campaign. 

As for Jackson, it was reported Thursday that he and the Ravens had agreed to a five-year, $260M contract extension with $185M guaranteed --  this at a time when Herbert himself, a 2020 first-round draft pick, is eligible for an extension. According to Lindsey Thiry of ESPN, Herbert said there is no definitive timeline for when he could put pen to paper on a deal. 

"That's always part of the process of just being out there and looking around [at] what happens," Herbert explained about what Jackson's agreement could mean for his own future. "I'm just worried about playing football and doing my best to rehab my shoulder."

Herbert added he has "complete faith in the Chargers organization and the front office" as it pertains to contract negotiations. 

While Herbert is not a one-time NFL Most Valuable Player as is Jackson, the 25-year-old likely will have millions upon millions of reasons to smile sooner rather than later.

The former Oregon gunslinger finished this past regular season ranking second in the NFL with 4,739 passing yards, 477 completions and 699 pass attempts. He was ranked 11th with a 58.2 adjusted QBR and tied for eighth with 25 touchdowns through the air.