Being close to Justin Herbert can get you a lot with the LA Chargers. Just ask quarterbacks coach Shane Day, who was previously fired by the team only to be brought back by Jim Harbaugh when he took over as head coach in 2024.
Backup quarterback Easton Stick directly benefited from being close to Herbert in the quarterback room. Despite struggling mightily when Herbert got hurt in 2023, the new Chargers regime brought Stick back on a one-year deal for the 2024 season.
Stick is not getting the same luxury this offseason. With three quarterbacks on the roster after signing Trey Lance, the Chargers tipped their hand about Stick's likely future. The final dagger for Stick came on Thursday, and came in one of the most unexpected ways possible: a uniform number change.
DEUCE ✌🏽 pic.twitter.com/2Ptwiv6vo0
— Elijah Molden (@ElijahMolden24) April 17, 2025
Chargers confirm Easton Stick's departure with Elijah Molden's number change
Safety Elijah Molden is switching from No. 22 to No. 2 — the same number worn by Stick since he was drafted by the Chargers in 2019. With Stick's number officially given to another player, it is safe to say he is not returning to the Bolts in 2025.
This is not surprising for Chargers fans who watched Stick in the preseason a year ago. Stick was the primary backup for the Chargers and turned in one of the worst showings in the preseason imaginable. It was so bad that the Chargers were forced to trade draft capital for a new backup in Taylor Heinicke (who the team re-signed this offseason).
Stick served as the third-string quarterback for the Chargers in 2024 and was a healthy scratch on gamedays. It was clear all season Stick wouldn't be the backup in 2025, but his relationship with Herbert could have gotten him a role as the QB3.
It is clear the Chargers are closing that door but a new door may be opening for Stick. The long-time backup could try and follow the Kellen Moore path and go into coaching, which presents an opportunity to stay with the Chargers.
After all, no team is going to sign a backup who will be 30 years old and has struggled every chance he has received. Coaching is the best path to Stick staying in the league, and his relationship with Herbert may be his way in.
But his days as a player on the Chargers are officially over. Molden's number change was the final dagger in Easton Stick's Chargers career.