LA Chargers: Seven players on the hot seat in 2020
QB Tyrod Taylor
I’ve written about how I think Tyrod Taylor was always the best choice to start for 2020. As the days go by, it seems like that’s what we’re getting. Tom Brady has gone to Tampa Bay, and all reports indicate that the team doesn’t really have much interest in Cam Newton as of now.
As much as I like Taylor, the reality is he’s facing an uphill battle for being on the team next year. He’s viewed as the bridge quarterback between Philip Rivers and the rookie the Chargers draft. Lynn likes him a lot, but if he doesn’t produce fast, he won’t be on the team in 2021.
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Taylor is on the hot seat less because of his own play and more due to the situation. Should the Chargers draft a quarterback at six, Taylor’s days are numbered. Should the Chargers sign Newton, his days might be numbered. To buy as much time with the organization as possible, he needs to have a good 2020.
A good 2020 for Taylor is something he’s capable of. He’s very good at keeping turnovers down with decent mobility. He’s not the most athletic quarterback anymore, but there’s a lot to like about his efficiency.
Taylor has a passer rating of 87.2 over the last four years, which is about league average. His touchdown to interception ratio in the same time span is 2.75, which is drastically higher than Newton’s 1.4.
Should Taylor have a decent 2020, he will be re-signed next year. Having more time to develop a rookie quarterback behind would be a very good thing. If Taylor bombs like he did with the Browns though, we could see a repeat of the Baker Mayfield situation.
Everyone on the LA Chargers is under pressure to perform in 2020, but these guys, in particular, have added incentive to keep their spots on the team. Davis has been a decent cornerback, but inconsistent. Plus the team just signed Harris.
King was bad in 2019 and needs to show out in 2020 to get the contract he wants. It’s still to be determined whether that will be at a new position or not. Jenkins is another part of the secondary who’s contract expires after 2020.
Next. Draft day trade options for Chargers
Taylor is a viewed as a bridge quarterback, whether he likes it or not, and will have to produce. Pouncey needs to show he can play after a neck injury ruined his 2019 season. Tevi and Scott must show that they are deserving reserve roles as the Chargers continue to beef up the offensive line.