Chargers Predicted to Upgrade Backup Quarterback Position Via Trade

Aug 22, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Chargers Predicted to Upgrade Backup Quarterback Position Via Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Robert Marvi | Last updated Sep 6, 2026 12:20 AM ET

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While there are certainly concerns about the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line and interior linebackers, one positional concern that isn’t being talked about as much is the backup quarterback spot.

The team went with Trey Lance, the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, over DJ Uiagalelei when finalizing its 53-man roster. It was likely the right decision, as Uiagalelei, who went undrafted in 2025, hasn’t played a single regular-season snap, while Lance has appeared in 16 games across four seasons and has occasionally flashed his true ability.

Still, Lance is more of a concept than a proven commodity, and starter Justin Herbert has had to deal with some injuries over the last few years. Given the concerns about L.A.’s offensive line, especially at the left guard and center positions, there is some worry that Herbert could get hurt again.

If that happens, Los Angeles may want to have a more proven or reliable QB2 available.

Writer predicts Chargers will reunite Jim Harbaugh with one of his former quarterbacks

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report made some bold trade predictions in a recent article, and he has the Chargers trading for J.J. McCarthy of the Minnesota Vikings. McCarthy, of course, played for Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh just a few years ago at the University of Michigan.

“The Los Angeles Chargers are one team that might be willing to take a chance on McCarthy,” Knox wrote. “L.A. has its starting quarterback in Justin Herbert, but it has a less-experienced backup in Trey Lance, who is also on a one-year deal.

“Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was McCarthy’s coach at Michigan, and he could be interested in developing his former starter as a long-term backup in L.A.”

McCarthy led the Wolverines to the NCAA championship in January 2024, just weeks before the Bolts hired Harbaugh. He was the No. 10 pick by the Minnesota Vikings in that year’s draft, and after missing all of the 2024 campaign with a meniscus injury, he struggled last season.

Right now, the Vikings are going with Kyler Murray as their QB1, and they also have Carson Wentz, who, like Murray, is a former Pro Bowler, as a backup. McCarthy, therefore, could be the odd man out.

McCarthy, however, won his national title playing in a run-heavy system. New Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s scheme involves making quick reads based on anticipation, and therefore one has to wonder if McCarthy could function in such a system while keeping his turnovers down.

He had more interceptions (12) than touchdown passes (11) last season, and his 4.9% interception rate in 2025 was simply much higher than one would want it to be.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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