Will Tyrod Taylor be LA Chargers next starting quarterback?
By Devon Auriemma
Philip Rivers’ time as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers could potentially be coming to an end. If it does happen, Tyrod Taylor would be one of the candidates that could take over.
Ian Rapoport said the Chargers could still have interest in bringing Philip Rivers back, despite rumors that they have decided to part ways. If the Chargers do move on from Rivers, the first person they might look toward will be Tyrod Taylor. It would be tough to say goodbye to someone who is a Chargers legend, but it might be time to finally move on.
The Chargers have many options at quarterback for next season and going forward. Personally, I think the best option for the team would be to draft a quarterback with the sixth pick or early in the second round, without signing anyone big in free agency.
This would leave Tyrod Taylor as the team’s starting quarterback for next season.
Taylor has already worked with Anthony Lynn during their time in Buffalo. He has shown some flashes in limited playing time this season and in years prior.
Strictly pocket passers are quickly becoming a thing of the past and Lynn would prefer a quarterback who is more mobile. This will bring a new dynamic to the Chargers offense that we have never really seen before.
Taylor is someone who doesn’t throw many interceptions and can extend plays with his mobility. This will allow Lynn and offensive coordinator Shane Steichen to open up the playbook centered around Taylor’s ability to move. Some negatives about him would be his fumbling issues and his lack of playing time the past two seasons.
Taylor would likely be used as a stop-gap. Someone who can play a few games or a season to let a younger quarterback learn the playbook and experience the grind of an NFL season.
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Fans should not be discouraged if Taylor is the quarterback next year. As a starter, Taylor is 23-21-1 during his time in Buffalo and Cleveland. He’s thrown for 9,562 yards with a 61.6 percent completion percentage. To go along with a 2.7:1 touchdown to interception ratio, Taylor has rushed for 1,843 yards with 16 touchdowns.
By starting Taylor and drafting a rookie quarterback, this will allow the Chargers to spend money they would have used on re-signing Rivers and put that toward improving the offensive line. With Taylor as the starter, the team could use some money to re-sign some of their own key players like Hunter Henry and give extensions to others.