AFC West Notes: Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Chargers

Chargers QB Tyrod Taylor is used to being doubted. Most teams thought he’d have to convert to wide receiver and even after proving himself as a capable NFL starting quarterback he’s someone teams have continually looked to replace. Sometimes it’s been with guys like Baker Mayfield, other times NFL decisionmakers have thrust guys like Nathan Peterman over Taylor. For the moment, though, Taylor will have another chance to start as things currently stand with the Chargers in 2020. 

“All I can do is show ’em with the next opportunity that they shouldn’t have slept on me,” Taylor said via Bleacher Report’s Tyler Dunne. “I’m definitely motivated more than ever. I’m motivated because I’m able to show my teammates and my coaches what I’m capable of doing. I’m not going out there to prove something to a fan or prove something to someone who may not like me. You’re never going to please everybody. I’m not trying to please everybody.”

Chiefs

• Kansas DT Azur Kamara had a private visit scheduled with the Chiefs before the shutdown. (Justin Melo)

Raiders

• ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez points out Raiders QB Marcus Mariota‘s $7.5 million base salary is higher than any quarterback who signed as a projected backup in the last two seasons. In fact, it’s almost as much as the $8 million Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater will make as a starter in 2020. 
• Per Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman, an AFC assistant coach thinks the Raiders make sense as a landing spot for QB Cam Newton: “They’d make the playoffs with him at quarterback.”
• Some non-first round options for the Raiders at cornerback include Auburn’s Noah Igbinoghene, Virginia’s Bryce Hall, Ohio State’s Damon Arnette, Mississippi State’s Cameron Dantzler, and Notre Dame’s Troy Pride Jr. (Josh Schrock)
• Texas A&M DT Justin Madubuike had a Top 30 visit scheduled with the Raiders before the shutdown. (Aaron Wilson)