The Chargers may already have a backup quarterback on the roster, but that doesn’t mean the job is locked down. There are still real questions about whether Los Angeles has enough certainty behind Justin Herbert, especially if the starter has to miss time during the season.
Even in the preseason, the two players battling for the spot had their moments. The problem was consistency.
That’s what makes this spot worth watching. When a quarterback is as central to the offense as Herbert is, the team needs more than just a body behind him. It needs someone the coaches can trust to keep the operation steady.
If the Chargers decide to stir up the competition, there are a few free agents who could fit the bill, and each one offers something different.
Jimmy Garoppolo stands out first because of what he already brings to the table: experience. He’s been in the league a long time, started a lot of games, and knows what it takes to run an NFL offense. For a team that leans so heavily on its starter, that kind of veteran presence could make the backup role feel a lot safer.
His value would be simple. If called on, he’d be expected to step in and keep things moving.
That familiarity with the league, plus the fact that he has been through pressure-filled situations, could make him an attractive option for a coaching staff looking for stability behind Herbert. This guy has proven success even in very important games, and that goes a long way as a backup.
Kyle Trask would bring a very different appeal. He’s still a quarterback with upside, and there’s at least some room to imagine more growth if he gets another chance.
He hasn’t logged the same amount of NFL snaps as some of the other names in the mix, but he has spent several years developing at the professional level. That gives him a different kind of appeal: a player who still has something to prove.
Jim Harbaugh and company could possiby do thier magic and develop him into a solid backup.
Brandon Allen fits into the conversation for another reason entirely. He’s been around NFL organizations long enough to understand what the backup job really demands.
That matters because the role isn’t just about standing by - it’s about being ready to jump from the sideline into the offense without missing a beat. A veteran in that chair brings a level of reliability that teams tend to appreciate.
Then there’s Will Levis, who may be the most interesting name of the group. He’s already had a shot as an NFL starter, and that experience counts for something when you’re evaluating backup options. He’s dealt with the pressure that comes with running an offense, and he also has the physical tools that could make him a compelling addition for Los Angeles.
Levis could be more than insurance behind Herbert. He’d have a real chance to compete for the backup job while also getting the benefit of being around a proven starter and an NFL coaching staff. If the Chargers think they can help him settle in and produce more consistent play, he would make this competition a lot more intriguing.
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Chargers Still Have One Starting Job That Could Affect Herbert Fast
The Chargers have their 53-man roster set, but one of the more important camp battles still hasnt been resolved: who opens the season at left guard. Jim Harbaugh has framed it as a two-man race between Kayode Awosika and Trey Pipkins III, with the staff even considering a setup that could involve both players. For a team built around Justin Herbert, the answer matters quickly because the protection in front of him will help shape how smoothly the offense starts.
Awosika brings a chance to claim the job on merit, while Pipkins offers a familiar option who has already spent time in a starting role. The Chargers do not appear rushed to force a decision, and this could be one of those lineup calls that gets settled before the opener or evolves as the season moves along. Either way, it remains one of the few spots on the roster where the competition still feels genuinely open. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers May Be Better Prepared At Center Than Fans Realize
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Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has been among those encouraged by what he has seen, pointing to Slaughters consistency and impressive showing throughout the summer. The Chargers will still be asking a rookie to handle plenty, but he does not appear to be doing it alone, with veteran teammates and coaches around him as he settles into a role the team now needs him to own right away. [Read more 🡒]