Taylor Heinicke has made a surprising move from the Atlanta Falcons to the Los Angeles Chargers , just as the NFL season is about to kick off. This transition came after a call from Falcons coach Raheem Morris, informing him of the trade.
“Oh, that’s funny. Because I was just watching Jim Harbaugh,” Heinicke told Morris.
Interestingly, Heinicke was watching a documentary about Jim Harbaugh and the University of Michigan's sign-stealing controversy when he received the news. Less than a day later, he met Harbaugh, who recently led Michigan to a national title but faced a three-game suspension over the allegations.
“Meeting Jim, I think he exceeds every expectation. Really fun to be around, so excited to work for him,” Heinicke said
Heinicke is set to back up Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, participating in his first practice as the team prepares for their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. This marks Heinicke's fifth team in seven seasons. He gained attention in 2020 when he started for Washington in the NFC wild-card playoff game against Tampa Bay, throwing for over 300 yards.
His standout season came in 2021 with Washington, where he passed for more than 3,400 yards and 20 touchdowns. After signing with Atlanta in 2023, he started five games but faced uncertainty about his future with the team following the signing of Kirk Cousins and the drafting of Michael Penix Jr.
“It is kind of crazy because that was the game that projected me into a better career. I had that whole season and then nine games the following season. So, that kind of started it all,” Heinicke said.
Heinicke's experience provides the Chargers with a reliable backup option, especially considering Herbert's injury history. Herbert missed two weeks during training camp due to a foot injury and was sidelined for the final four games of last season with a finger injury.
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The Chargers coaching staff recognizes that Heinicke brings a different skill set compared to Herbert, and they plan to adjust their game strategy accordingly if Heinicke is called upon to play. Heinicke understands the need for a tailored approach, acknowledging that he and Easton Stick have different strengths than Herbert.
“I like him and his body of work,” Harbaugh said of Heinicke. “When he quarterbacks a team, they are competitive. He throws with good accuracy and plays his game.”
“Justin has the arm talent that Easton and I don’t have and that’s just the truth of the matter,” Heinicke said. “So, if we were to go out there and try to be like him, I don’t think that’s our best football. I like that they’ve noticed that and that we just have to go out there and play our best game.”
As the Chargers gear up for the season, Heinicke's addition adds depth to their quarterback position and brings valuable experience to the team.
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