Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco held a press conference, where he discussed the NFL Scouting Combine, as well as several items about the Bolts’ offseason.
Here are some of the top takeaways from the session with reporters:
What is Telesco looking for in their next quarterback?
Telesco was asked what the team is looking for in their next quarterback after the departure of Philip Rivers. “Truthfully, a lot of attributes Philip Rivers had. You want that intangible part. It’s very important for the quarterback to be able to lead, to have work ethic, preparation skills, handle adversity. And then you want the physical skills, too. To be able to have a quick decision-maker on the field and arm strength,” Telesco said.
Confident in Tyrod Taylor
All attention has been shifted to how the Chargers will address the quarterback position this offseason, but Telesco is solely confident in Taylor, who has one more year left on his contract, saying that he could enter the year as the starting quarterback. “Right now we have Tyrod Taylor as the starting quarterback. We’re confident we can win with Tyrod. We’ll look at all the other options that are out there. It’s still early in the process,” Telesco said.
No comment on possibility of adding Tom Brady
Brady has been commonly linked to the Chargers this offseason, but Telesco, who stays tight-lipped with the team’s plans this early, isn’t giving out any information on any of the signal-callers that could draw interest. He said the Chargers are looking at everything from a wide-angle lens, not eliminating anything. “He’s a good player, but I don’t think it’ll be good for me to comment (about upcoming free agents),” Telesco said.
Not planning on adding a quarterbacks coach
The only positional coach that needs to be filled is for the quarterbacks, but it’s unlikely that the team will add one. Telesco said he does not expect to hire a quarterbacks coach. Senior assistant Rip Scherer will work closely with the quarterbacks.
Hunter Henry
Henry is a pending free agent, but Telesco is looking to retain the tight end. Telesco says the franchise tag is an option for him.
Mike Pouncey
Telesco said that Pouncey hasn’t been medically cleared yet. Pouncey suffered a neck injury in Week 5 which ended his season. The center said after the season that he hopes to continue playing.
Austin Ekeler
Ekeler is a restricted free agent, but it’s more than likely that he will have a tender placed on him. Telesco said he views Ekeler as a guy who can handle the touches over the course of an entire season, and hopes to see him have a large role moving forward.
James Campen
Campen was hired as the team’s new offensive line coach last month. Telesco says he will have a way in what kind of linemen the team tries to bring in but feels the current group fits the scheme as well. Campen has a proven track record at developing mid-late round players into Pro Bowlers.