Looming Extension Eligible Quarterbacks

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertSeptember 30, 2022
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#joe burrow #tua tagovailoa #jalen hurts #jordan love #justin herbert
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Once the 2022 regular season concludes, 2020 draft picks will become contract extension eligible for the first time in their careers. We’ll take a look at where the first five drafted quarterbacks stand in terms of calculated values, realistic projections, and thoughts on what could be on the table next spring.

Joe Burrow (CIN, 25)

Spotrac Valuation: $40.3M
Realistic Baseline: 5 years, $260M ($52M)
2023 Prediction: Extension

Burrow’s stock hit an all-time high with the Bengals’ magical 2021 run, but things have come back down to earth a bit slightly to start the 2022 campaign. Cincy doesn’t have a great track record with high, multi-year guaranteed contracts, but that will certainly change with this negotiation. Burrow has a better resume than previous #1 overall pick Kyler Murray, who locked in $220M over the next 6 seasons.

 

Tua Tagovailoa (MIA, 24)

Spotrac Valuation: $37.3M
Realistic Baseline: 5 years, $225M ($45M)
2023 Prediction: No Extension

It’s been a wild start to Tua’s third campaign, as he’s shown both immediate improvement in various areas - and terrifying injuries. Things were trending in the right direction for Tua getting a second contract in Miami, but it stands to reason that that process is on hold for the immediate future. There’s plenty of season left to change that notion, but Tua remains on the “maybe” list for an early extension for now.

 

Justin Herbert (LAC, 24)

Spotrac Valuation: $43.7M
Realistic Baseline: 5 years, $250M ($50M)
2023 Prediction: Extension

Herbert doesn’t have the credentials or even a playoff snap to match up with Burrow but he’s every bit the talent (if not more). The Chargers have invested plenty over the past two offseasons both in free agency, and in extending their own, to solidify a core group. Adding a mega contract for Herbert to that list makes plenty of sense as the next logical step.

 

Jordan Love (GB, 23)

As the 4th QB drafted in this class, Love’s future at least belongs in this conversation. What feels like a dead end could quickly become much more if Aaron Rodgers decides to hang it up - or switch teams - after 2022. Love holds a fully guaranteed $2.3M in 2023, and the Packers will have a decision on his 5th year option for 2024 next May, so there’s no major rush here. 

 

Jalen Hurts (PHI, 24)

Spotrac Valuation: $43.8M
Realistic Baseline: 5 years, $240M ($48M)
2023 Prediction: Extension

Hurts has the most to gain out of this group, with an organization that invested heavily via the draft, free agency, and trade wire to make this a legitimate contending team. Philadelphia looks the part to start 2022, and Hurts (currently #2 according to PFF) does too. Howie Roseman may already have the contract printed at this point. 


#joe burrow #tua tagovailoa #jalen hurts #jordan love #justin herbert
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