Ladd McConkey. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers rookie WR earns record-setting guaranteed payday

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Jun 17, 2024 10:02 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey has had an impressive offseason so far.

So impressive, in fact, that the Chargers have apparently offered him a four-year rookie contract that's going to get him paid — big time.

According to Ian Rapoport, the guaranteed money on the four-year deal (a figure which hasn't yet been disclosed) will go down as a record amount for a player taken No. 34 overall in the NFL Draft.

The #Chargers and Ladd McConkey reached a 4-year deal today with the most guaranteed money in NFL history for a 34th pick.

It beat the QB premium for the same pick in ‘23, carrying the most guarantees over a pick below in the round. Ladd's agent @ChrisCabott confirmed the deal. pic.twitter.com/FJsD5rH52D
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 17, 2024

According to Jeff Kerr, McConkey will make more guaranteed money than Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who was the 2023 NFL Draft's No. 34 overall pick. Per Spotrac, LaPorta was given $7.5 million in guaranteed money.

Even as a rookie, McConkey has been impressive this summer. Notably, quarterback Justin Herbert recently sang his praises.

"He's just picked up the offense so easily. It's like he's been a four- or five-year vet," Herbert said.

There's a scenario in which McConkey will be the Chargers' No. 2 wideout option behind Quentin Johnston, who L.A. took 21st overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.

"He understands the game, he understands leverage," Herbert said. "He's a smart player, he's very athletic. He can beat man coverage, find the soft spot in zones."

McConkey, apparently, can do it all — and that's worth a lot in the NFL.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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