The Los Angeles Chargers' quarterback situation is relatively set in stone.
Justin Herbert is, obviously, the QB1 in Los Angeles. Over the course of his six NFL season, he's cemented himself as one of the league's top quarterbacks, and there's nothing within the realm of possibility that could displace him from that position.
Trey Lance, meanwhile, returned on a one-year deal to be the Chargers' backup for 2026 behind Herbert. Is there room for the Chargers to upgrade at that position? Certainly. But as it stands, Lance should be considered the bona fide backup QB in Los Angeles.
As we prepare to enter training camp, therefore, there's only one quarterback to watch in terms of a potential position battle. While DJ Uiagalelei doesn't really have a chance at disrupting the Chargers' QB hierarchy this season, a strong preseason showing from the second-year QB could still set the stage for an overhaul of the QB room in 2027.
DJ Uiagalelei has a chance to make things interesting in training camp, at the very least
As the Chargers progressed through their offseason program, most of the external buzz surrounded the development of their rookies. Genesis Smith was one of the standouts during OTAs and mandatory mini-camp, and he may have already set himself up to earn a significant snap share as the second safety alongside Elijah Molden.
But, on top of that, one additional storyline consistently popped up— Uiagalelei had shown vast improvements in his consistency and throwing efforts since his rookie season.
Uiagalelei, after starting his college career as a projected first-round pick, ultimately landed with Los Angeles as a UDFA. His final, disastrous college season at Florida State ultimately sealed his fate. But in terms of pure developmental upside, there's no reason to believe he can't displace Lance eventually.
Uiagalelei's issues at the college level were not athletic talent or sheer skill— they were his inconsistent mechanics and erratic decision-making that ultimately kept him from being a top pick. Those are things that, with the right developmental system, are coachable at the NFL level. From what we've heard from the Chargers coaching staff, Uiagalelei has already taken vast strides during his time on the Los Angeles practice squad.
While Lance has ties to new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel from their time together in San Francisco, Lance hasn't shown much in his appearances in a Chargers uniform to inspire confidence in him as a long-term backup. While Uiagalelei and Lance are separated by just one year in terms of age, moreover, Lance has had three more seasons to develop in NFL systems, including opportunities as a true starting quarterback.
It's not likely that Uiagalelei can usurp Lance on the depth chart this season. But if he's able to continue building on his strong showing in the offseason program, he could set the stage for a true battle next offseason.
In a room that's already set in stone, Uiagalelei will at least provide a dose of intrigue in training camp and the preseason.
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