Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers have opened negotiations on a long-term contract extension.

Herbert became eligible to negotiate and sign a deal at the conclusion of the season.

“Those talks are ongoing,” coach Brandon Staley said at the NFL's annual league meeting. “We’re at the beginning of all that, but all know how we feel about him.”

Herbert is expected to earn an extension worth more than $50 million per season in a quarterback market that is anticipated to be active with Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts also being eligible to sign extensions.

“Navigating this process, we have a very good relationship with his team,” Staley said. “I’m confident that Justin Herbert is going to be our quarterback for a long time and that we’ll make sure that we get a deal done.”

Austin Ekeler has requested and received permission from the Los Angeles Chargers to explore trade options after contract extension talks went nowhere.

While appearing on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast, Ekeler clarified that the request had nothing to do with the team but simply a desire to get paid equal to his value.

The Los Angeles Chargers have granted Austin Ekeler permission to seek a trade after the two sides failed to make progress on a new contract, his agent has confirmed.

Ekeler, 27, is entering the final season of a four-year, $24.5 million contract and is scheduled to earn $6.25 million.

He requested permission Monday to speak with other teams.

The Chargers signed Ekeler as an undrafted free agent in 2017 from Western State Colorado.

Austin Ekeler has requested permission from the Los Angeles Chargers to speak with other teams about a trade, his agent has revealed.

Ekeler is entering the last year of his contract and is set to make $6.25 million in base salary in 2023. 

The running back has been seeking a new contract but preliminary talks did not progress with the Chargers, which induced the trade request.

Keenan Allen will remain with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers have restructured Allen's contract, clearing $8.9 million off the salary cap.

There had been some speculation that the wide receiver could be cut as the team works to get under the salary cap.

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco is putting to rest any speculation that the team could move on from Keenan Allen this offseason.

"Keenan Allen isn't going anywhere," Telesco said Wednesday.

The Chargers are currently $20.39 million over the salary cap and it has been rumored that Allen, 31, could be traded or released.

He is scheduled to earn $15.5 million in 2023, with $21.7 million charged against the salary cap. If released, the Chargers would save $14.8 million against the cap.

"He's an incredible player," Telesco said. "We have an incredible quarterback. We need weapons around him. There's never been any thought of that. He's with us."