Report: Anthony Lynn ‘legitimately bullish’ on Tyrod Taylor as starting QB

The Los Angeles Chargers did not re-sign quarterback Philip Rivers this offseason, and that leaves them with Tyrod Taylor and Easton Stick as the only members of the depth chart. There has been speculation about what might be next for the Chargers depth chart, but we heard in mid-March that the team was not planning on pursuing a veteran to compete with Taylor atop the depth chart.

Now, a week and a half before the 2020 NFL Draft, Peter King is reporting that Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn, “is legitimately bullish on Tyrod Taylor, and maybe for more than one year.” King also reported “a GM friend of [Chargers GM Tom] Telesco’s thinks he’s very high on Justin Herbert.”

Considering the hyperbole we sometimes we hear from coaches, make of the former what you want. The Chargers hold the sixth overall pick, and have a realistic shot at several quarterbacks in the first round. Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jordan Love are all in the mix in the top ten. The Miami Dolphins are likely taking a quarterback at No. 5, and there is always a chance someone trades up with the Detroit Lions or New York Giants to grab a quarterback. Even Washington at No. 2 is a possibility if Ron Rivera wants to start fresh at the most important position on the field.

DraftKings Sportsbook is offering odds on who will be the Chargers quarterback when Week 1 arrives. Taylor is the betting favorite, with Cam Newton not too far back. One of the college quarterbacks would make sense as a bet on who will be the Week 17 starter, but it would not be surprising to see a veteran starting when Week 1 rolls around.

Newton would make a lot of sense in the short term. Lynn is entering his fourth season as head coach, coming off a 5-11 record in 2019. The Chargers could sign Newton to try and build in the short term, or they could show some patience, draft a QB at No. 6 and stick with Taylor as the bridge quarterback. Cam Newton is still talented enough that he is someone you can build around, rather than as a bridge to the future.

If you’re looking for a long-shot, Andy Dalton makes some sense. He has a decent floor and a relatively low ceiling. He’s signed through 2020, although potential suitors might be waiting to see if the Cincinnati Bengals release him first. Whatever the case, at 20/1 it might be worth a flier.

Tyrod Taylor: -106
Cam Newton: +210
Justin Herbert: +400
Tua Tagovailoa: +550
Jameis Winston: +1600
Andy Dalton: +2000
Jordan Love: +3300
Easton Stick: +5000

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