The Los Angeles Chargers have a difficult decision to make when the 2019 regular season is over. The franchise needs to decide whether it’s time to move on from quarterback Philip Rivers or bring him back for Year 17.
Based on how this season has gone, you can make the argument that it’s time to separate themselves from the 38-year old because it hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows when it’s come to his play, as he’s thrown 15 interceptions.
But you can also make the argument that some of the woes fall on the shoulders of the inconsistent play along the offensive line.
Regardless of the direction the Chargers go with Rivers; they can’t hold off on grabbing the potential face of the franchise.
Many fans want to see Rivers play in the new stadium in 2020, and it wouldn’t be all that surprising if the team does, too. In that scenario, Rivers returns on what is likely a one-year deal with some sort of second-year option.
We’re looking at Rivers playing for one season with his contract expiring after the 2020 campaign, and so will his backup Tyrod Taylor, whose contract is up at the same time.
So why would the Chargers go into the 2021 offseason with no options behind them at the quarterback?
There’s rookie Easton Stick, but it’s believed that he will serve as a long term backup or even as trade bait. If they chose to draft one in 2021 and throw him in the fire, it’s likely to be a disaster. And with how the roster is set up, they’re built to win.
Taking a quarterback in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft would give him a year to sit under Rivers and take over with some NFL experience under his belt the following season.
Well, what if Los Angeles feels like Rivers isn’t in their plans for next season? Or, Rivers decides to hang up the cleats?
Taylor is the likely the Day 1 starter. That would be the ideal scenario as their offensive philosophy will shift around a mobile quarterback, which is something the Chargers have wanted to do since coach Anthony Lynn came on board.
Taylor is the perfect bridge quarterback since he has experience and the traits that he would be able to pass on to whoever the rookie quarterback is when he takes the throne.
Now, onto the draft and what they should do.
The Chargers will be picking anywhere between No. 10 and 15, which means they will likely have options such as Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, Jalen Hurts and possibly Tua Tagovailoa available. All four mentioned are not perfect, but they have the tools to become a franchise quarterback eventually with some polish.
Waiting until the second round to acquire a quarterback and electing to choose another position of need like offensive tackle in Round 1 should not be in the picture. If a quarterback is worth a second-round pick, the area is so vital that it makes him worth a first-round selection.
Luckily, the offensive tackle class has the potential to be one of the greatest in recent years and you can find Day 1 starters in Round 2 with Josh Jones, Prince Tega Wanogho, Mekhi Bekton, Trey Adams or Alex Leatherwood.
For fans, the offensive tackle position is a pressing need because Rivers thrives when he has a clean pocket. But success in a rookie’s first season, whether that be at left tackle or right tackle, is hit or miss so you can’t bank on a first rounder being the solution.
Like offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen said, “A rookie playing tackle in this league. I don’t care who you are, first-round pick or whatever it is, it’s tough.”
If the Chargers wait until 2021 to draft a quarterback, they’re putting themselves in the wrong spot. Not only will they likely have to throw whoever that is in the fire, but the quarterback class isn’t as superior as this year’s.
It has two options at the top in Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields, but they are likely to go in the top-10 and who’s to say Los Angeles will be in this spot again since they’re probably going to have more success next season, putting them beyond the 20’s.
The bottom line is that whether or not Rivers is in the plans for 2020, they can’t play the waiting game with the position anymore. The team is going to be in a good spot to draft a talented quarterback, and they must seize that moment.
Of course the offensive line needs to be addressed immediately, but they can afford to do so later on and plus, we don’t know if they’re going to address it in free agency or if they’re going to bank on the development of the younger players like Trent Scott and Trey Pipkins.
The last time the Chargers drafted a quarterback in the first-round was in 2004. With there being a few prospects that have the makings of a franchise quarterback, the team needs to strongly consider ending that drought in 2020.
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