EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz isn’t content with just watching his roster develop, especially when it comes to the quarterback position.
On Thursday, the Chargers completed a trade with Atlanta for Taylor Heinicke in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick in 2025, depending on playing time.
Since training camp began, Hortiz has been busy: signing nine players, making two trades, and claiming one player off waivers. His goal is to assemble the best 53-man roster for the season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 8.
Hortiz is in his first year as GM, having taken over from Tom Telesco, who was let go at the end of last season and has since joined the Raiders. Telesco had been the Chargers’ GM since 2013.
Coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned that his father, Jack Harbaugh, dubbed Hortiz “Chef Hortiz” due to his strategic roster moves.
Harbaugh praised Heinicke, noting that the quarterback’s competitive nature and accuracy are valuable assets. Heinicke provides experienced backup in case Justin Herbert, who missed part of training camp with a foot injury and the final four games of last season with a finger injury, is sidelined again.
Heinicke’s addition comes alongside the acquisition of defensive back Elijah Molden from Tennessee. To make room, the Chargers released safety Tony Jefferson and waived running back Jaret Patterson.
Harbaugh emphasized that the backup quarterback needs to be coached differently than Herbert, noting that each quarterback must play to their own strengths rather than trying to replicate Herbert’s style.
Easton Stick, who started four games last season and had the most quarterback snaps in the preseason, struggled with a low passer rating and multiple turnovers. His standout play was a 78-yard touchdown pass to Simi Fehoko in a recent preseason game.
Heinicke, now with his fifth team in seven seasons, has started 29 games throughout his career. His most notable success came with Washington in 2021, where he threw for 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. After a season with Atlanta, his future there became uncertain with the addition of Kirk Cousins and the drafting of Michael Penix Jr.
Be the first to comment