Over the past couple of weeks, I have been breaking down the depth chart at each position for the Chargers.
To finish off this series, we project what the the Chargers’ quarterback room will look like heading into the 2020 season.
QB1: Tyrod Taylor
Taylor is considered to be in the driver’s seat to start, but knowing that there wasn’t any spring practices and potentially a shortened preseason, the chances of him going into Week 1 as the starter is almost certain. Taylor spent two years with coach Anthony Lynn in Buffalo, and has had a full year with the Chargers’ coaching staff and players after signing a two-year contract last March. Taylor is by no means the passer that Philip Rivers was during his time with the Bolts, but the 30-year old offers upside with his athleticism to win with his legs and ability to take care of the football. Taylor is also in a good position with the skill players that he will have to distribute the wealth to, consisting of wide receivers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Hunter Henry. To the amount of games started remains to be seen, but if Taylor is winning games then it shouldn’t be a surprise to see him start the full 16-game slate.
QB2: Justin Herbert
Anticipation to see the No. 6 overall selection take the field for the Chargers as at an all-time high. But if he redshirts the entire 2020 season, it might be a blessing in disguise. There’s no denying Herbert’s NFL-style tools with his size, athleticism, arm talent and intelligence. But he needs to improve his decision-making, eye discipline and overall consistency to succeed. That is why everyone is hopeful that the hiring of quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton will help with the development of the former Oregon product. Herbert playing this season is still a possibility, though. If Taylor isn’t getting the job done at any given point of the season, then the rookie will likely take over.
QB3: Easton Stick
As the Chargers have undergone this transition at the quarterback position, the one player that hasn’t gotten the attention is Stick. The former North Dakota State product beat out Cardale Jones for the final quarterback spot last preseason. General manager Tom Telesco said the team has high hopes for Stick, but he is still a young quarterback with a ways to go. Los Angeles could see Stick as a long-term backup, especially considering this is the final year on Taylor’s contract. Or their intentions could be to develop Stick enough to the point where he does have upside as a starter or even as a Taysom Hill role given his athleticism, which could garner trade consideration from another team.