DJ Uiagalelei's Journey with the Los Angeles Chargers: From Undrafted to Preseason Standout
DJ Uiagalelei, a former five-star quarterback, initially showed promise at Clemson but struggled to maintain consistency. After transferring to Oregon State and then Florida State, he went undrafted in 2025 but landed on the Los Angeles Chargers' practice squad. Despite a disappointing final collegiate season, the Chargers saw potential in him based on his earlier performances.
During the 2025 preseason, Uiagalelei impressed with his solid play, earning a spot on the team. While he didn't see any regular-season action, his preseason stats included 244 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception, showcasing his abilities on the field. Standing at 6'4 and weighing 252 pounds, he is one of the heaviest quarterbacks on the Chargers' roster.
Uiagalelei signed a one-year contract with the Chargers, with a salary of $885,000. He faces tough competition to secure a spot on the final roster, as the team is likely to keep only two quarterbacks. However, with no other signed quarterbacks competing directly with him, he has a chance to prove himself and potentially move up the depth chart in the future.
If Uiagalelei continues to develop and build on his preseason performance, he could potentially secure the backup quarterback position once Trey Lance departs from the team. This would be a significant achievement for someone who faced doubts about his potential after his college career.