What the Taylor Heinicke trade means for the Chargers

Los Angeles made its second trade of the day Wednesday, sending a conditional sixth-round pick to Atlanta for quarterback Taylor Heinicke.

Heinicke completed just 20 of 44 passes for the Falcons this preseason, finishing with 206 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. As Atlanta’s No. 3 QB behind Kirk Cousins ​​and rookie Michael Penix Jr., he was a prime candidate for a trade to a team like the Chargers.

Los Angeles’ quarterbacks struggled throughout the preseason: Easton Stick completed 25 of 55 passes for 303 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. Other passers didn’t play the week they were released: Casey Bauman after the first preseason game, Max Duggan after the second and Luis Perez after the third.

The Chargers also did not sign Perez to their initial practice squad on Wednesday, meaning Los Angeles was going to make a move for an outside quarterback.

Heinicke, 31, has started 29 games in his six-year NFL career, giving Los Angeles a seasoned veteran option behind starter Justin Herbert. With a career touchdown-to-interception ratio of 39:28, Heinicke is willing to take risks with the ball, but he has shown the ability to keep an offense on schedule when he relies on a quick game and play-action.

Ideally, Heinicke won’t play for the Chargers, but if he does, his propensities will mesh well with Greg Roman’s offense. Roman’s scheme is based on the short passing game with designed shots once the run is established. Heinicke doesn’t have the arm strength to propel those shots down the field as consistently as someone like Herbert or even Stick, which will require an adjustment if Heinicke is to play.

Despite Stick’s disappointing preseason, he will likely remain on the active roster for the time being while Heinicke adjusts to the new offensive scheme. In the short term, that means the Chargers will need to find another player to cut to make room for three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Running back Jaret Patterson is the presumed player cut following the Elijah Molden trade. The Chargers still have seven receivers and 11 defensive backs on the roster after the trade, which could leave one of Brenden Rice, Simi Fehoko or Tony Jefferson vulnerable to make room for Heinicke.

In the long run, Heinicke’s days of competing for starting jobs appear to be over. Known for his exceptional locker room presence and leadership, the 31-year-old is likely to play a veteran backup role, one he could return to with Los Angeles after this season, even though he’s set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. That kind of stability would prevent issues like this from recurring for at least the next few years and should come at a minimal cost to the Chargers.