SAN DIEGO -- Looks like the San Diego Chargers could be on the hunt for an eventual replacement for quarterback Philip Rivers.
Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt attended University of Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch's pro day at the school’s campus in Memphis on Wednesday.
Also in attendance was San Diego’s new quarterback coach Shane Steichen. After his scripted workout, Whisenhunt asked Lynch to make a handful of throws on the move against simulated pressure.
At 6-foot-7 and 244 pounds with a big arm, Lynch fits the prototype that San Diego looks for in a developmental signal caller. Lynch finished his career at Memphis with the second-most yards in school history (8,663) and passing touchdowns (59).
At the combine, Lynch ran the 40-yard dash in 4.86 seconds, posted a 36-inch vertical and a 9-foot, 8-inch broad jump.
Rivers turns 35 in December, and is in the second-year of a five-year deal that includes $65 million of guaranteed money. Rivers still has a lot of gas left in the tank, but the Chargers need to begin the search for an eventual replacement.
Along with Rivers, the Chargers have three other quarterbacks on the roster -- backup Kellen Clemens and developmental prospects Brad Sorensen and Bryn Renner.
The Chargers are unlikely to take Lynch at No. 3, but he could make sense for San Diego early in the second round at No 35. If they really like Lynch, the Chargers also could look to move up to the end of the first round, securing an extra year on Lynch’s rookie deal.
Being drafted by San Diego would be ideal for Lynch, giving him time to develop behind a smart, experienced quarterback in Rivers.
