When the Atlanta Falcons released their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s inclusion was one of the biggest surprises. The Falcons invested heavily in the quarterback position in the draft and free agency, leaving Heinicke’s role unclear going into 2024.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Dianna Russini and Josh Kendall, Atlanta has traded Heinicke to the Los Angeles Chargers for a conditional sixth-round pick. An Atlanta native, Heinicke has passed for 6,635 yards, 39 touchdowns and 28 interceptions since entering the league as an undrafted free agent.
The Falcons have traded QB Taylor Heinicke to the Chargers, sources tell @JoshTheAthletic and me
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 28, 2024
Heinicke, 31, signed a two-year deal with the Falcons in 2023, appearing in five games (four starts) and passing for 890 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions last season. Atlanta switched back and forth between Heinicke and Desmond Ridder all year with underwhelming results.
The Falcons traded Ridder to the Cardinals over the offseason and now Heinicke lands in Los Angeles with new Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.