With Russell Wilson traded to the Denver Broncos, Derek Carr re-signed to the Las Vegas Raiders, and Patrick Mahomes already leading a champion-worthy squad; things might just be too hot to handle in the AFC West, for the third year quarterback Justin Herbert.

His performance remains at the forefront of the discussion among analysts whenever AFC West is in consideration. And it is no doubt to believe that he might just be the next best thing in the NFL. The numbers that he has put in are noteworthy and commendable. However, when compared to the challenges that he has to go through to conquer the division, he might just be the most underpaid for his efforts.

Justin Herbert in his rookie contract

Under his rookie contract, Herbert receives a $6.65 million salary on average annual income. He signed a four-year contract worth $26.6 million with the Los Angeles Chargers after getting drafted by the franchise as a sixth overall pick.

However, the Chargers might have pulled off a big steal in that 2020 draft since Herbert has been a phenomenal prospect for the franchise. During his two years in the league, the young QB has been named to the Pro Bowl once, and won the NFL Rookie Offensive Player of the Year in 2020.

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Furthermore, he has also broken a bunch of records during his rookie season. He became the first rookie with most touchdowns (31), most passing yards per game (289.1), most 300-yard games (8), and the most completions (396).

Is Herbert underpaid when compared to division competitors like Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr and Russell Wilson?

The real test for Justin Herbert begins from the upcoming 2022 season. He will be facing the wrath of three monster QBs who reside in his division dominant in their own ways. Herbert will face Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr, and Russell Wilson twice next season.

It is more of a challenge for every QB to co-exist in the division. While others are being paid a handsome amount, Herbert who is still in his rookie season will be going up against the elites with just a $6.6 million average annual salary. On the contrary, Patrick Mahomes is paid $45 million, Derek Carr $40.5 million, and Russell Wilson, the newest acquisition of the Denver Broncos, gets paid $35 million.

Though it is going to be a challenge for Justin Herbert to survive the battle of the West, but if he thrives, he might end up getting paid even more than the aforementioned QBs in his next contract. However, for that to happen he still has to make past two more years.

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