The Los Angeles Chargers have acquired quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick, according to sources cited by Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Heinicke, who joined the Falcons in 2023, appeared in five games last season, starting four of them. The 31-year-old concluded the season with five touchdown passes and four interceptions.
Despite a mixed performance during the 2024 preseason, Heinicke secured a spot on Atlanta’s 53-man roster as the third-string quarterback, behind Kirk Cousins and rookie Michael Penix Jr.
With 29 career starts, Heinicke brings a wealth of experience to the Chargers, where he is expected to serve as the backup to star quarterback Justin Herbert. The Chargers’ roster also includes Easton Stick, who stepped in for an injured Herbert in 2023, recording three touchdowns and one interception across four games.
Herbert, who struggled with injuries last season and played in only 13 games, recently returned to practice on August 19 after sustaining a foot injury earlier in the month.
Heinicke entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2015 with the Minnesota Vikings. His first regular-season appearance came in 2017 with the Houston Texans. Since then, he has played for the Carolina Panthers (2018) and Washington Commanders (2020-22).
