Chargers quarterback Chase Daniel’s money has been made not on the field, but from the sideline.
Signed in March to serve as Justin Herbert’s backup, Daniel’s presence has been paying off in the early stages of preparation for the upcoming season.
As Herbert learns the new offense under Joe Lombardi, Daniel has been aiding in the transition since he spent four seasons as Drew Brees’ backup with the Saints, which is what the system will draw parallels to.
“Chase has just brought a wealth of experience,” quarterback coach Shane Day said. “He’s helped us tremendously. He’s helped me tremendously. We have some great conversations in the quarterback room, and he’s able to bring all that experience that he’s had in the Saints offense and kind of bring it alive.
And he’s also got a great personality. He’s been great for the room that way, too. I’m glad that we were able to get him, not only from the standpoint of teaching and kind of mentoring Justin, but he’s been able to give me some real-life experience, which is great, for this offense that I haven’t been a part of. So he’s been outstanding.”
According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Daniel has been monitoring Easton Stick on the second field while listening and observing Herbert over on the first field during the play calls since New Orleans’ offense possesses more complex wordage.
Daniel and Stick will be in competition for the No. 2 spot, but the veteran has the leg up due to his mentorship skills and familiarity with the offense.