So, yeah, I'm an idiot. I had my phone on a stand on my keyboard tray on my desk. I accidentally nudged the tray and the edge of my desk knocked the phone off the stand and onto the floor. The screen hit the metal leg of the desk and cracked my screen.

Anyway, I think Apple is charging $279 for a screen. Should I pay it or should I go third party for repair?

Pay apple to do.
My rule of thumb dont do third party screen until phone is 2 gen old. Right now screen at ifixit (better than china typical quality but not apple fir sure if $516

No Apple Care or Insurance through carrier?