Chargers News: Top Backup QB Free Agent Targets
It should go without question that any quarterback looking to join the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason will be, at most, the second option at that position. In a season that was riddled by injuries and key starters continuously being out of the lineup, Justin Herbert continued to prove his stardom and lead his team against all odds. Battling a rib injury himself, he still threw for over 4,500 yards and connected on 25 touchdowns (placing himself amongst the top ten in the league).
Herbert has easily risen as the cornerstone of the franchise but it is important for LA to ensure they have solid backup QB in case anything surrounding his health goes south. In 2022, they ran with Chase Daniel who is 36-years-old and suited up four times with 52 yards thrown. He is set to hit free agency on Wednesday along with third-string qb Easton Stick.
However, if LA opts to try something new with their $19 million in cap space, that raises the question: Who are their best backup QB options in free agency?
1. Taylor Heinicke
At their backup slot, the Chargers should be looking for an experienced player who doesn't have too many years or injuries under their belt. Taylor Heinicke is just about to enter his 30's and plays with a chip on his shoulder. He was out of the league just two seasons ago but had a great bounce back year in 2022 where he led the Washington Commanders to five wins when starting and then humbly accepted a bench role behind Carson Wentz. He does all the dirty work needed from a QB and would bring energy to the up-and-coming Bolts.
2. Baker Mayfield
The route in which Baker Mayfield's career goes in depends all on the responsibility he wants to place on himself as a QB in the league. He certainly has the option to sign with a team like the Buccaneers that will allow him to start, and the interest is there, or he can join a squad like the Chargers that will give him a smaller role with a likely higher success rate. It has become clear that he gets streakier the more games he starts and struggles in a high-usage rate. With the Chargers, he'd be able to learn from some great offensive coordinators and he wouldn't even have to change stadiums !
3. Andy Dalton
When looking for experience in this year's free agency QB pool, the Chargers wouldn't be able to get much better than Andy Dalton. Due to injuries to Jameis Winston throughout last season, the 35-year-old was inserted into the starting slot for 14 matches despite originally being signed to be a backup. He enjoyed a 66.7% completion rate and totaled 2,871 yards with 18 touchdowns in those 14 starts. However, he struggled to win games for the Saints and it appears he is more fit for a bench role. His leadership and dedication to taking care of his body are two things Herbert would benefit learning from.
