The Los Angeles Chargers have made a notable transaction by acquiring quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons. In exchange, the Chargers will give Atlanta a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the potential to upgrade to a sixth-round pick based on certain conditions. Alongside this trade, the Chargers have also made several roster changes. They have released safety Tony Jefferson, waived running back Jaret Patterson, and added center Sam Mustipher and tight end Eric Tomlinson to their practice squad while parting ways with cornerback Robert Kennedy. Heinicke joins the Chargers after starting four of five games for the Falcons in the 2023 season. Prior to his time in Atlanta, he played for the Washington Commanders from 2020 to 2022, starting 25 out of 27 games, including a playoff appearance in 2020. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, Heinicke has also spent time with the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Carolina Panthers. His most successful season came in 2021 with the Commanders, where he passed for over 3,400 yards and 20 touchdowns. During his college career at Old Dominion, Heinicke set multiple school records, becoming the program’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdown passes, completions, and completion percentage. He earned first-team All-America honors, was named the Colonial Athletic Association Offensive Player of the Year, and received the Walter Payton Award as the best FCS player following a standout sophomore season.
ICYM: Shocking news as falcons trade their 5-star QB
