Chargers cut Cardale Jones despite strong preseason

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 29: Cardale Jones #7 of the Los Angeles Chargers scrambles away from the pressure of Sheldon Day #96 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 29: Cardale Jones #7 of the Los Angeles Chargers scrambles away from the pressure of Sheldon Day #96 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

After two seasons and the most recent preseason with the Los Angeles Chargers, quarterback Cardale Jones is wondering where his next stop will be.

The Chargers decided to part ways with Jones on Saturday ahead of the league’s deadline of 4:00 pm ET to have their rosters down to 53 players. A decision whether or not to keep fifth-round pick Easton Stick remains to be seen.

Jones has managed to hang around the organization despite never being better than a third-string quarterback. He spent the 2018 season on the practice squad and after the Chargers signed Tyrod Taylor this offseason and then drafted Stick, the writing seemed to be on the wall.

No “set backs” just set ups. Thanks @Chargers for a great two years.

— Cardale Jones (@Cardale7_) August 31, 2019

Many fans wondered aloud as to why Jones wasn’t released months ago.

But with his back against the wall, Jones put together a good preseason and was head and shoulders above Stick in terms of performance. Still, the Chargers don’t see a future with Jones and you have to wonder how long that has been the case.

It seems the team gave Jones a chance to showcase his skills for the other 31 teams in the league and for Jones, his hopes now lie with one of those teams bringing him in.

For the preseason, Jones completed 28 of his 41 pass attempts (68.2 percent) for 357 yards and one touchdown in parts of four games. He also had a nice touchdown run against the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason finale.

There are some quarterback-starved teams around the league and some of the places where Jones could land and continue his career could Denver or Detroit. Both of those teams have poor backup situations.

The startup XFL could be another option if Jones’ NFL options dry out.

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