Now that the Rashawn Slater contract saga is behind them, the Chargers will be free to focus on building rapport on the field. Justin Herbert appears ready for yet another record-breaking season in 2025, but Los Angeles has been linked to an “intriguing” quarterback trade that could send veteran backup Taylor Heinicke to a more quarterback-needy team.
Taylor Heinicke Battling Against Trey Lance for Chargers Backup Quarterback Spot
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has spent the offseason as the most popular trade candidate at the position, despite his no-trade clause. That’s no surprise, as Cousins has the edge over every other backup quarterback in the league in terms of experience.
But, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox included Chargers backup Taylor Heinicke as a quarterback who should be among the most sought-after options.
“While Cousins may not be a top trade target until later in the year, Taylor Heinicke is a high-end backup teams should call about now,” Knox wrote on Saturday.
“The Los Angeles Chargers won’t be inclined to part with Justin Herbert’s understudy for cheap—Heinicke is fully capable of steering the offense for a week or two if needed—but he could become available,” he continued.
While Heinicke is still relatively new to Los Angeles, Knox believes that the Chargers may opt to make Trey Lance their long-term backup. The Falcons sent Heinicke to LA in exchange for a conditional 2025 seventh-round pick. It could have become a sixth-round pick depending on the quarterback’s playing time, but he played a total of just 22 snaps last season.
“Right now, I don’t think there’s a depth chart to it,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “I think they’re both going to get opportunities, and we’ll see how that unfolds.”
Potential Trade Partners Include the Colts and Saints
Heinicke has struggled to carve out a consistent starting role during his first six seasons. But, he’s shown flashes as a “serviceable” quarterback, according to Sports Illustrated’s Matthew Schmidt.
“While Heinicke obviously wouldn’t be anyone’s first choice, he has at least proven that he can be serviceable, having tossed 39 touchdown passes and 29 interceptions throughout his career,” Schmidt wrote yesterday.
When it comes to teams who are quarterback-needy, look no further than New Orleans and Indianapolis. Knox suggested that the Saints and Colts should look into Heinicke as a “potential bridge option” at quarterback.
“Teams that could use another potential bridge option in training camp, like the Colts and Saints, should see if Heinicke is available now,” Knox wrote.
Knox pointed out that the Saints’ quarterback room “lacks experience,” while the Colts’ options have appeared to “struggle” so far.
Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler started six games, including the final three of the season. But, he completed just over 57% of his passes for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions. Jake Haener played a total of 82 snaps across eight games last season. He completed just 18 of 39 passes for 236 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
New Orleans drafted Tyler Shough in the second round this April and signed UDFA Hunter Dekkers this May. Overall, their quarterback room has played a grand total of 478 snaps. The Saints could benefit from a more-experienced bridge quarterback like Heinicke getting a shot at the starting role.
As for the Colts, James Boyd of The Athletic reported that both Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones have “struggled to find a rhythm” during training camp. While Richardson continues to rehab his shoulder, Jones is still new to Indianapolis.
Either way, Heinicke could serve as an upgrade at the quarterback position.
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