As we exited the 2026 NFL Draft, we knew the basic contours of the position battles the Los Angeles Chargers would face through OTAs and training camp.
Their selection of Akheem Mesidor and their pickup of Nadame Tucker as a UDFA guaranteed that one of Kyle Kennard and Bud Dupree's roster spots would be threatened. Their decision to take Jake Slaughter— after Olaivavega Ioane went off the board— was a signal that the left guard spot would be open to competition as well. Even their selection of Genesis Smith projected to have implications for the safety room, even if we didn't know the full extent.
But as training camp approaches later this month, a strong performance from third-string quarterback DJ Uiagalelei during the offseason program has generated some buzz about a potential battle for backup quarterback. Eric Smith at Chargers.com, for example, reiterated that fact in his recent training camp preview.
"Behind Herbert, Lance and Uiagalelei could potentially battle for the backup spot, a job Lance had a firm grasp on last season. And while Lance was solid this spring, Uiagalelei looked particularly sharp in spring practices with an increased workload. Perhaps Uiagalelei challenges Lance for the backup job in camp and the preseason. If not, that only means a deeper and more talented quarterback room for the Bolts." Eric Smith, Chargers.com
While Uiagelelei showing improvements under Mike McDaniel's scheme is a notable storyline (and could have major implications for next offseason as the Chargers negotiate Lance's contract), it's clear who should have the upper hand in this looming positional battle.
The Chargers are better off with Trey Lance as their backup quarterback for 2026
Not everyone in the Chargers fandom is the biggest fan of Lance as backup QB, and that's a justifiable stance. While it's slightly unfair to hold his Week 18 performance against him, his showing in that game was less than inspiring— with most of the starters sitting, Lance complete 20 of his 44 passes for 136 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
Uiagelelei, meanwhile, is attempting to find his footing in the NFL after an underwhelming college career left him as a UDFA in the 2025 class. While Uiagalelei came into college as a highly-touted recruit, his shaky time at Clemson (and his disastrous singular season at Florida State) proved he didn't have the consistency nor the athleticism to be a top pick at quarterback.
But as Smith states— and has stated numerous times in his reporting on the Chargers' offseason program— the organization has been highly impressed by Uiagalelei's advancements this offseason. There's a world where, when Lance's one-year contract expires, Los Angeles turns toward Uiagalelei as their next backup behind Justin Herbert.
But in the meantime, there are two primary considerations here.
Firstly, Lance has actual NFL starting experience, even if it's not particularly inspiring. He started eight games between 2021 and 2022 for the San Francisco 49ers before injuries derailed the start of his career and Brock Purdy cemented himself as the QB of the future in SF. He also had a solid start to end his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18 of 2024.
Secondly, Lance has history with McDaniel, who was the offensive coordinator in San Francisco during Lance's rookie season. He has, at the very least, a baseline familiarity with the intricacies of McDaniel's zone-blocking scheme, and Herbert has stated that Lance has been integral this offseason in helping him acclimate to the scheme's demands.
There's room to argue that the Chargers would be better off with a more reliable, veteran quarterback to support Herbert. But considering the QB room as it stands, Lance should have the upper hand in any competition that's brewing ahead of training camp.
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