Image source: Instagram/@taylorheinicke
The Los Angeles Chargers are preparing to bring in quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons. The deal involves a conditional sixth-round draft pick, as reported by The Athletic.
Taylor Heinicke, 31, will compete against Easton Stick to secure the backup quarterback position behind Chargers’ star Justin Herbert. In Atlanta, Heinicke was set to be the third-string quarterback, following Kirk Cousins and rookie Michael Penix Jr.
Cousins recently joined the Falcons on a four-year, $180 million contract at the beginning of free agency. Meanwhile, Atlanta picked Penix as the eighth overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
During his first season with the Falcons in 2023, Taylor Heinicke went 1-3 as a starter. He completed 54.4 percent of his passes, throwing for 890 yards, with five touchdowns and four interceptions.
His overall career record stands at 13-15-1, with 6,635 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions in 38 games, including 29 starts. He has played for the Houston Texans (2017), Carolina Panthers (2018), Washington (2020-2022), and Atlanta.
In a separate move, NFL Network reported that the Chargers plan to release veteran safety Tony Jefferson and bring him back to their practice squad. Jefferson, 32, most recently played in the NFL for the New York Giants in 2022.
Over nine seasons, he has recorded 492 tackles, four interceptions, and eight forced fumbles while playing for the Arizona Cardinals (2013-2016), Baltimore Ravens (2017-2019, 2021), San Francisco 49ers (2021), and Giants.
The Chargers’ recent roster changes signal a strategic approach to the upcoming NFL season. The addition of Taylor Heinicke provides depth at the quarterback position, while Jefferson’s potential return adds experience to the practice squad.
