AFC West Notes: Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Chargers

Chargers HC Anthony Lynn said in an interview with AM 570 LA Sports in Los Angeles that Tyrod Taylor could end up being their starter in 2020. 

“Tyrod Taylor is a heck of a quarterback,” Lynn said, via ESPN.com. “We couldn’t have a better backup right now, and now he has an opportunity to maybe step up into a starting role. I’ve had Tyrod before, and I know what this young man brings to the table, in the passing game and the running game.

“One of the things he does very well is take care of the football. I believe every year he’s started in this league he’s been the No. 1 quarterback in taking care of the football. I believe more games are lost than won. So if we can just take care of the football and take it away, we’ll be okay.”

• According to ESPN’s Eric Williams, the Chargers’ recent extension with HC Anthony Lynn is for one year and keeps him under contract through 2021. 
• Per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Chargers could be content with QB Tyrod Taylor as a bridge quarterback to a likely high rookie draft pick if they don’t land someone like Tom Brady in free agency. 

Chiefs

2019 was a big bounceback year for Chiefs CB Bashaud Breeland. Injuries scuttled a payday in free agency with the Panthers and put him back on the market after limited time with the Packers. But Breeland played all 16 games for the Chiefs this season after signing a one-year deal in March. He says he would be open to signing for much longer in Kansas City if it works out. 

“It’s been a great journey for me, man. You know what I mean? I’m just enjoying the journey, you know what I mean? And when free agency hits, it hits,” Breeland said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “If I’m back in Kansas City, I’m going to live life to the fullest. If I’m not, I’m gonna live it to the fullest. I’ll cross that bridge when I cross it. But at this point in time, I’m looking forward to being a part of the Kansas City Chiefs.”

• NFL Media’s Gregg Rosenthal lists Chiefs WR Sammy Watkins as a likely cap cut this offseason. 

Raiders

Raiders S Johnathan Abram said he worked on preparing mentally and studying gameplans while rehabbing from his season-ending torn rotator cuff. 

“Being around the team really helped me mentally,” Abram said, via Scott Bair of NBC Sports. “Being around the guys, going through game plans and seeing all the adjustments that needed to be made was what helped me the most. I couldn’t exercise my muscles. I had to exercise something.”

Abram added that he is completely recovered and ready to participate in the Raiders’ offseason program.

“What I went through last year has only made me more eager to get back to work,” Abram said. “Everybody got a taste of what I could do, but it was nothing near what I’m capable of. Coaches saw glimpses in camp, but I had to tone it down going against my teammates.”

Abram mentioned that his shoulder issue was the first injury of his football career.

“It was frustrating, but it was a lesson I needed more than anything,” Abram said. “My entire career, I had never been injured. I never had to go without the game. It taught me some valuable lessons, to appreciate the game. Coach Gruden says all the time that the best ability is availability.”