3 Chargers who won’t be back in 2023 and the best options to replace them
By Mark Powell
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated in humiliating fashion on Saturday night, as their 20-point lead at the half disappeared rather quickly thanks to the Jaguars.
A disappointing playoff loss always leads to full-scale changes, whether it’s warranted or not. In this case, it’s warranted.
Los Angeles has one of the most talented rosters in the entire NFL. Despite facing and up-and-coming Jacksonville Jaguars team on the road, the Chargers lost a game they should have won, especially considering the Jags spotted them over 20 points.
Austin Ekeler and Justin Herbert looked great in the first half, and Trevor Lawrence threw four interceptions early.
Yet, a few blown coverages in the secondary led to easy Jacksonville scores in the second half. Given the Chargers’ history, once that ball starts rolling downhill, there’s no stopping it. The Jags won in regulation, and now LA faces more questions in what should be a busy offseason for general manager Tom Telesco.
Chargers who won’t be back: QB, Chase Daniel
Chase Daniel got some action in the Chargers Week 18 loss to the Denver Broncos — a game they really didn’t need to win, hence the backup quarterback getting some action in the first place. Daniel has a career in broadcasting awaiting him, and as a career backup who has earned more than his fair share of money over the years, the Missouri product could call it quits at 36 years of age.
This is not to suggest that Daniel doesn’t provide some value. Los Angeles loves him in the quarterback room, and he can break down film with the best of them. It’s what will make him such a valued member of the broadcast booth with NFL Network, or perhaps on cable.
A replacement for Daniel won’t be so simple. The team didn’t seem to believe in Easton Stick, who was the third-string quarterback for most of the season. He’s younger than Daniel, but a veteran with playing experience makes more sense here.
An easy replacement would be Case Keenum, who now plays with the Buffalo Bills. Sean McDermott has raved about how great of a teammate Keenum can be, and he’s been a veteran to rely on for Josh Allen, who has taken another step forward this season. Perhaps Keenum is a quarterback whisperer in the making.
Keenum has starting experience and if called upon, will be ready to take over in any offense. Still, he knows he’s a backup at this stage of his career. Playing behind Herbert could be the perfect role.