The Los Angeles Chargers know Justin Herbert as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season, but there is still a question mark surrounding who his backup will be.
The Chargers have Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei on the roster. While the former served as the backup last season, there is reason to believe that the latter could take over in 2026 with a strong training camp.
“With Justin Herbert throwing little this offseason while focusing on footwork and mechanics, Uiagalelei has taken advantage
of his reps. The former undrafted free agent has been one of the Chargers’ most impressive players, thriving on intermediate and deep throws. If that carries into training camp, Uiagalelei could challenge Trey Lance for the backup job,” ESPN insider Kris Rhim wrote.
Lance earned the starting job in training camp last year from Taylor Heinecke and sat back while Herbert had a healthy 2025 campaign. His efforts prompted the Chargers to reward him with a one-year deal worth $6.75 million. However, Uiagalelei was waiting in the wings on the practice squad.
Uwe Aguillett has learned a lot during his first season in the NFL, and it’s clear that he has grown as a player. He’ll have a chance to win back the backup quarterback job, but it will take more than just good reps during OTAs. He’ll have to prove himself during training camp and the preseason, where he will get his biggest opportunity to show that he is more than a practice squad player.
BFTB community, what do you make of Uiagalelei’s ascent as a player? Can he actually take over the backup QB duties from Lance? Chime off in the comments section below.
