Chargers Waive QB DJ Uiagalelei

Heading into the Chargers’ final preseason game on Aug. 27, head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated he had not made a decision between Lance and Uiagalelei. Lance did not complete either of his passes in a loss to the Rams, while Uiagalelei saw far more action and completed 11 of 18 attempts for 141 yards. He finished the preseason 24 of 42 for 341 yards, two touchdowns and a 99.4 passer rating, but it was not enough to earn a roster spot.

The Chargers also waived Uiagalelei on cutdown day last year, but the 2025 UDFA from Florida State ended up spending the year on their practice squad. They elevated Uiagalelei for their Week 18 season finale against the Broncos, though Lance got all the work in place of a resting Justin Herbert in a 19-3 loss.

Although Lance flamed out in San Francisco after going third overall in the 2021 draft, he latched on with the Cowboys for a two-year stint and is now positioned to spend a second season with the Chargers. Even though the former North Dakota State star went just 27 of 57 for 226 yards and an interception in 2025, the Chargers brought him back on a one-year, $2.5MM deal. Considering the Bolts gave Lance $2MM in guaranteed money, it is hardly a surprise they are keeping him in the fold this year.