Anthony Lynn: Chargers open to drafting QB in 1st round

The Los Angeles Chargers are open to drafting a quarterback in the first round this year in preparation for life after franchise stalwart Philip Rivers.

"Everybody's in play for us," head coach Anthony Lynn told reporters Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. "We're trying to get better - not just quarterback, every position."

It's been 14 years since the Chargers last selected a quarterback in the opening round, and that investment blessed them with Rivers, one of the top signal-callers of his era. After a shaky 2016 season, the 36-year-old returned to Pro Bowl form in 2017. Still, he's at the stage of his career at which quarterbacks typically begin to decline.

"I plan on being here for the long haul," Lynn added. "If I can get my future quarterback right now, why wouldn't I? I'm just looking at the big picture here. We're trying to get better at every spot, and you never know what position is going to step up and help you win."

Rivers has two seasons remaining on his contract. The Chargers are slated to pick 17th in April's draft.

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