3 best backup quarterback options for the Chargers this offseason
There are a lot of variables around this LA Chargers offseason after the team fell short in the AFC Wild Card Round against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the team needing to clear over $20 million just to be cap complacent, this offseason is certainly going to be an interesting one.
One of the smaller variables that has been getting swept under the rug is the team's backup quarterback situation. The backup quarterback may not seem that important but after watching Justin Herbert struggle with injuries in 2022, it is nice to have a safe option. That is especially true with a new offense being implemented in 2023. Chase Daniel is likely heading off to retirement to be a full-time analyst and the Chargers did not like Easton Stick enough to activate him for gamedays. With that in mind, we may see the Bolts pursue a backup quarterback this offseason. Some options are better than others.
The 3 best backup quarterback options for the LA Chargers this offseason:
#3. Nick Mullens
The Chargers could have signed an older veteran to replace Chase Daniel, but that's not how the team should go. The team from LA no longer needs someone who can help Justin Herbert grow professionally. Instead, you need someone who might step in in an emergency and try to keep the team alive.
At the same time, the Chargers can't afford top-notch backup quarterbacks, but among the cheap quarterbacks, Nick Mullens is one of the best options, and we've seen Nick Mullens succeed as the starting quarterback for Kyle's Shanahan offense. Having that experience is an asset for him. Mullens spent the 2022 season as a backup to Kirk Cousins in Minnesota but failed to get the start. He started Cleveland Browns in 2021 and wasn't terrible. In 20 of his 30 passes, he achieved 147 yards, 1 touchdown, and no interceptions. He was not better, but he didn't lose to the Browns in that game.
#2.Drafting a quarterback in the late rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft
If the LA Chargers don't pick a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2023, they might choose to draft one in the late rounds. This could be done with a player like Easton Stick, who was drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. The Chargers are hoping to find a cost-controlled quarterback to back up Justin Herbert for the next four years. If they do, it would not be a surprise.
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Stick in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and they don't need to spend more than a sixth-round pick on a backup quarterback. There are still some good choices in those rounds, like Brock Purdy and Tyler Huntley, who have both filled in for starters and done well.
If the Chargers are on the clock in the sixth or seventh round, they might want to take Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett. He is a lot older than Justin Herbert, which means he has more experience.
The Chargers would take a quarterback who is experienced and can pick up the offense quickly.
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#1. Cooper Rush
If the LA Chargers don't pick a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft in 2023, they might choose to draft one in the late rounds. This could be done with a player like Easton Stick, who was drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The Chargers are hoping to find a cost-controlled quarterback to back up Justin Herbert for the next four years. If they do, it would not be a surprise.
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Stick in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and they don't need to spend more than a sixth-round pick on a backup quarterback. There are still some good choices in those rounds, like Brock Purdy and Tyler Huntley, who have both filled in for starters and done well.
If the Chargers are on the clock in the sixth or seventh round, they might want to take Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett. He is a lot older than Justin Herbert, which means he has more experience.
The Chargers would take a quarterback who is experienced and can pick up the offense quickly.
