Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

Report: Geno Smith, Chargers Agree to Contract After 1 Season with Giants

Adam Wells

Quarterback Geno Smith is on the move again after agreeing to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter

Smith has spent the first five years of his NFL career in New York, starting with the Jets from 2013-16. His best season came in 2014, when he threw for 2,525 yards, 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions with a 59.7 completion percentage. 

The Giants signed Smith to be Eli Manning's backup last season. The 27-year-old appeared in two games, including a Week 13 start against the Oakland Raiders, and went 21-of-36 for 212 yards with one touchdown. 

Pro Football Focus' Ryan Smith noted Geno's one start produced a higher quarterback grade than Manning had all season through the first 12 weeks:

Since the Jets selected him in the second round of the 2013 draft, Smith has carved out a niche as a backup quarterback. He's never developed into a player who's capable of starting every week and performing at a high level.

But a veteran quarterback who can fill in when a team needs him is a valuable commodity. The Chargers needed depth at the position, and Smith was the best available option at this point in free agency. 

After playing behind one iron-man quarterback with the Giants, Smith will be doing the same in 2018 with Philip Rivers, who became entrenched as the team's starter after two years as a backup. 

Since 2006, Rivers has started 192 straight regular-season games. He's still playing at a high level, even at the age of 36, throwing for 4,515 yards and 28 touchdowns last season. 

Cardale Jones, who has thrown 11 passes in two campaigns, was the only other quarterback on Los Angeles' roster.

Smith's signing gives head coach Anthony Lynn more depth at the most important position heading into the season as the Chargers look to return to the playoffs after a four-year absence.      

   

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