The Los Angeles Chargers are entering another season with Justin Herbert locked in as the franchise quarterback, and for good reason. The 27-year-old continues to cement himself as one of the league’s most consistent and dynamic passers, already surpassing 21,000 passing yards and 137 touchdowns through just five seasons.
With Jim Harbaugh entering his second season at the helm, the Chargers are banking on a return to playoff contention. However, depth matters in the NFL, and injuries can derail even the most promising seasons. That makes the quarterback room behind Herbert crucial to the team’s success.
Who Are the Los Angeles Chargers’ Quarterbacks?
Given the importance of the QB2 role and the unpredictability of the NFL season, it’s crucial to have a capable backup and developmental talent waiting in the wings. The Chargers have assembled an interesting mix of experience and potential behind their franchise signal-caller.
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— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 26, 2024
Justin Herbert
There’s no question who QB1 is in Los Angeles. Since being drafted No. 6 overall in 2020, Herbert has been the heartbeat of the Chargers’ offense. He threw for 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just three interceptions last season, despite a barrage of injuries around him that helped lead to just a No. 14 ranking and C+ (78.5) grade in PFSN’s 2024 regular-season QB Rankings.
Now entering his sixth season, Herbert has already racked up 137 career touchdown passes, earning Pro Bowl honors and near-universal respect as one of the best quarterbacks in football. The former Oregon standout has proven he can carry an offense even when the supporting cast struggles. Barring injury, he won’t be handing over the starting job any time soon.
Taylor Heinicke
Taylor Heinicke is back for another season in Los Angeles and remains the favorite to serve as Herbert’s primary backup. The Chargers traded for Heinicke last August, sending a 2025 sixth-round pick to Atlanta for his services.
Heinicke appeared in four games in 2024, throwing just five passes, but his value lies in his veteran experience. Since entering the league in 2017, Heinicke has made 29 career starts, passing for over 7,000 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions. He’s proven himself as a reliable, if limited, QB2, capable of steadying an offense when called upon.
The veteran brings something invaluable to the quarterback room: he’s been there before. In a crowded QB room, Heinicke’s experience gives him the edge in the backup competition.
Trey Lance
The wild card in the Chargers’ quarterback battle is Trey Lance, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lance joined the Chargers this offseason on a one-year, $6 million deal after stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys.
Once considered a franchise-altering talent, Lance’s career hasn’t gone as planned. Through four seasons, he’s played in just 12 games with five starts, passing for 1,063 yards and five touchdowns. Injuries and inconsistent opportunities have limited his development, but the physical tools remain intact.
Still, the upside remains tantalizing. Lance is only 25, boasts a big arm, and has elite athleticism when healthy. Harbaugh recently announced that Lance will start the Chargers’ preseason opener against the Detroit Lions. If he impresses, the former North Dakota State star could push Heinicke for the QB2 job.
D.J. Uiagalelei
Following a rollercoaster college career that ended at Florida State, D.J. Uiagalelei joined the Chargers as an undrafted free agent. Despite a tough final season, including a hand injury, he’s stuck with the team through OTAs and training camp.
In 2024, Uiagalelei completed 84 of 156 passes for 1,065 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions. The numbers don’t jump off the page, but he’s shown enough in practice to earn a longer look. He’ll see his first NFL action in the second half of the Chargers’ preseason opener and is currently fighting for a practice-squad spot or a developmental role.
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The Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback room is led by one of the league’s elite in Herbert, but the battle behind him is heating up. Heinicke offers veteran stability, Lance brings untapped potential, and Uiagalelei represents a developmental wild card.
With Herbert set to sit out much of the preseason, fans will get an extended look at Lance and Uiagalelei in action. Harbaugh and his staff will be watching closely, as the competition for the No. 2 quarterback job remains wide open heading into the season.
