FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Falcons have traded quarterback Taylor Heinicke to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick that converts to a 2025 sixth-round pick should specific conditions be met, the team announced Thursday afternoon.
The trade was first reported by The Athletic's Dianna Russini and Josh Kendall.
According to an alternate report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the conditions of the deal are "based off playtime for Heinicke."
Heinicke originally signed a two-year deal with the Falcons valued at $14 million in March 2023. Upon his signing, he was immediately named Desmond Ridder's backup for the season. Towards the back end of the season, Heinicke took over the starting quarterback spot, making four starts and appearing in five games. In those five games, Heinicke completed 74 of his 136 passes for 890 passing yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.
The journeyman's spot on the Falcons roster became a question during the 2024 offseason, when the Falcons acquired Kirk Cousins in free agency and Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With a clear QB1 and QB2 on Atlanta's roster, Heinicke got the vast majority of preseason game reps. In those three games, he had a 45% completion rate.
Atlanta was the sixth NFL organization Heinicke had been a part of since joining the league as an undrafted free agent in 2015. The most notable time of his career came with the Washington Commanders in a Wild Card game against the Buccaneers in 2020, the lone playoff outing he played in. Heinicke replaced an injured Alex Smith at quarterback and threw for 306 yards with a touchdown and interception in the 31-23 loss.
Heinicke is originally from Lawrenceville, Georgia, and was a graduate of Collins Hill High School. He was named to the Falcons' initial 53-man roster that was released Tuesday evening. According to OverTheCap.com, with a post-June 1 trade, the Falcons will carry a dead money cap hit of $3.32 million while saving $1.21 million towards the cap.
