The backup quarterback is one of the most overlooked positions in all of sports. Having a quality backup quarterback can be the difference between playoff dreams staying afloat and a harsh reality crashing down. Just ask the LA Chargers, who were forced to scramble for a better backup quarterback after the preseason in 2024.
The Chargers never had to truly utilize the backup quarterback position in 2025 but that is not a reason to ignore the position this offseason. With both Taylor Heinicke and Easton Stick hitting free agency, the Chargers have a hole to fill behind Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles re-signed Stick a year ago likely because of his relationship with Herbert. After an awful showing in the preseason, the Chargers cannot afford to make the same move simply because of Stick's relationship to Herbert. Instead, the Bolts should pursue better backup options.
3 quarterbacks the Chargers could sign to back up Justin Herbert
Jameis Winston
Jameis Winston was thrown into the fire with the Cleveland Browns after Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles. The early signs with Winston under center were promising for the Browns but the former first overall pick ultimately wore out his welcome and lost the starting job.
Winston may not be a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL but he has value as a backup. Outside of being the funniest player in the league, Winston adds a true variance that most backups cannot add.
At least with Winston, there is the chance of him having a spectacular game in which he leads a team to victory. He may not lead the Chargers to the playoffs, but he could keep the team afloat if Herbert had to miss a game or two.
That high-ceiling variance is more valuable than a mediocre backup who doesn't offer much upside.
Marcus Mariota
The Chargers already have one of the most popular former Oregon quarterbacks, they might as well add another. Marcus Mariota spent the 2024 season as Jayden Daniels' backup and it would be great to see him come to Los Angeles to back up Herbert.
Mariota, who was taken one pick after Winston, is as qualified as any backup quarterback in free agency this offseason. Like Winston, he may not be capable of leading a team as a starter but he has the reps to hold a team afloat in case disaster strikes.
There is also the rushing upside of Mariota. He can be a game manager while adopting a run-heavy approach under Greg Roman if needed. Speaking of run-heavy...
Justin Fields
Justin Fields is nothing like Justin Herbert so the Chargers would not be able to run the exact same playbook if Fields had to play in place of an injured Herbert. That being said, Fields excels at something Roman is very familiar with coaching.
Fields is the most athletic quarterback in the league not named Lamar Jackson. And while he does not have the MVP-level ceiling, he can lead a quality offense if his coaching staff coaches to his strengths. Fields is more limited than Lamar but Roman knows what it is like to coach an athletically gifted quarterback.
The Chargers would morph into the Ravens of three years ago if Fields had to play but that may not be a bad thing. At least with Fields, the Chargers would have an identity, which may not be the case with other potential backup options.
Signing Fields may be a long shot, though, as he will likely look for a situation where he can start in 2025.