The Chargers are “serious” about selecting a quarterback somewhat early in the 2017 draft, reports Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Although Philip Rivers hasn’t dropped any hints that he’s ready to retire, franchise owner Dean Spanos has told the Los Angeles front office to be prepared for Rivers’ eventual departure. New head coach Anthony Lynn expressed a similar sentiment at the end of last month. Thus far, the Chargers have worked out Notre Dame‘s DeShone Kizer and Tennessee‘s Joshua Dobbs, and are thought to have interest in Cal’s Davis Webb.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Utah offensive tackle Garett Bolles has meetings scheduled with the Colts and Chargers, according to Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com. Bolles, who has also visited the Giants, is in the running to become the first offensive lineman off the board later this month. While he posted excellent measurables, Bolles is already 25 years old, which could limit any future growth. While Bolles could conceivably go to Los Angeles within the top 10, the Chargers have already made Russell Okung the NFL’s highest-paid tackle this offseason. Indianapolis, likewise, has a long-term extension in place with blindside protector Anthony Castonzo. In PFR’s first mock draft, we sent Bolles to Denver at pick No. 20.
- Despite signing free agent safety Jonathan Cyprien last month, the Titans could still use the fifth overall selection on a defensive back such as Malik Hooker or Jamal Adams, Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com writes. Tennessee used a rotation in the back end in 2016, and four safeties — Kevin Byard, Daimion Stafford, Rashad Johnson, and Da’Norris Searcy — all played more than 500 snaps. Stafford and Johnson are now unrestricted free agents, and head coach Mike Mularkey said the Titans will continue to deploy a multiple defensive backs. Hooker or Adams, then, could be fits for Tennessee, although the club would be utilizing a high pick on a player that may only play part-time.
- The Cowboys will add another backup quarterback in the coming weeks, but they won’t sign a high-end option such as Colin Kaepernick to play behind Dak Prescott, per Todd Archer of ESPN.com. If Dallas does go the free agent route, it might ink someone like veteran Luke McCown, who was recently released by the Saints. Other signal-callers on the market include Matt McGloin, Christian Ponder, Shaun Hill, and Austin Davis, who met with the Cowboys last year. Dallas will also likely add a quarterback on Day 3 of the draft, writes Archer.
That would mean maybe they trade back to pick up an additional pick b/c they have a lot of other holes than a luxury QB pick.
Trade back with the Browns – 12th & 52nd or the 65th overall for the 7th overall. Browns move up to take Solomon Thomas or Malik Hooker whichever is there. Chargers select Corey Davis/Mike Williams whichever WR they have higher. They pick Kizer or Webb between round 2 and 3 along with an edge rusher and lineman.
FWIW years ago Rivers did talk about retiring if the team ever moved from SD to LA.
Ooops.