Chargers host QB Jalon Daniels for private workout

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Los Angeles Chargers reportedly hosted Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels for a private workout early this spring.

While they recently re-signed backup QB Trey Lance to a one-year deal worth up to $6.75 million, they could be exploring a long-term backup plan behind Justin Herbert with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon.

The 23-year-old Lawndale, CA native spent all six seasons of his college career with the Jayhawks, earning two additional years of eligibility due to the COVID-19 season and a medical redshirt after dealing with injuries.

Daniels completed 734 of his 1,193 pass attempts (61.5%) for 9,252 yards and 67 touchdowns, with 31 interceptions across his six-year career. He also added 1,451 rushing yards on 421 attempts and 23 rushing touchdowns.

He earned second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2022 after posting the first of three 2,000-yard passing seasons, along with 18 passing touchdowns and seven rushing scores, while also recording the first of three 400-yard rushing campaigns.

This past season, Daniels completed 198 of 319 passes for a career-high 2,531 yards and 22 touchdowns, with seven interceptions. He also added 404 rushing yards on 117 attempts and four scores.

In 2025, Daniels earned a 77.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 101st among 302 qualifying quarterbacks. His 72.0 passing grade ranked 118th, while he recorded 18 big-time throws and 15 turnover-worthy plays. He posted an average depth of target of 10.1 yards and an average time to throw of 2.88 seconds.

As a runner, he earned a 72.3 rushing grade, ranking 57th among 113 qualifying quarterbacks.

Daniels participated in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where he measured in at 6-foot-1, 219 pounds with 30 3/8-inch arms and 9 5/8-inch hands. He ran a 4.65-second 40-yard dash and posted a 1.63-second 10-yard split.

According to Next Gen Stats, he earned a total score of 68, ranking 14th among quarterbacks. His production score of 66 ranked 10th, while his estimated athleticism score of 78 ranked fifth at the position.

Daniels has yet to build on the early flashes he showed in his career, particularly as a passer. While he has the arm talent to stretch the field and can deliver at times, his overall accuracy, timing and pocket awareness remain inconsistent. However, his mobility is a clear asset, allowing him to extend plays and contribute as a runner.

At the next level, his mechanics and decision-making limit his effectiveness in a structured passing offense, raising questions about his readiness for an NFL system. Though he could benefit from developing on the scout team in Los Angeles while learning behind Justin Herbert, with the long-term goal of becoming a reliable backup option.