Former Chargers draft pick wastes no time proving why LA gave up on him

The LA Chargers finally did something fans thought the team would never do this offseason: parted ways with backup quarterback Easton Stick.

Stick stuck around much longer than fans expected considering he was a third-string quarterback for many years. However, despite him struggling in 2023 when Justin Herbert was hurt, the new Chargers' regime brought Stick back to be the primary backup in 2024.

That proved to be an awful idea. Stick struggled mightily in the 2024 preseason, forcing the Chargers to trade for Taylor Heinicke at the 11th hour. Heinicke was brought back and Stick was left searching for a new home.

Stick found a home with the Atlanta Falcons, who enter the 2025 season with an interesting quarterback situation of their own. The former NDSU quarterback is probably just a preseason/practice squad body, and on Friday, he reminded Chargers fans why that will always be his ceiling.

Easton Stick reminds Chargers fans why he was kicked to the curb

Stick turned in a vintage preseason performance for the Atlanta Falcons on Friday. The former Chargers quarterback turned in an uninspiring effort that included one of the worst pick-sixes you will ever see.

It's bad enough when a quarterback throws a floater to the flat that gets jumped by a defensive back. It's even worse when that quarterback pump fakes the defender into an interception position before throwing said pass.

Stick proved in the preseason last year that he is not a reliable backup quarterback option. Thankfully for Falcons fans, Stick was never asked to be that in Atlanta. He is the third-string quarterback behind Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins.

Stick turns 30 in September and hasn't shown any real development as an NFL quarterback. Many Chargers fans thought his NFL career was over when the Chargers moved on from him. Atlanta gave him a lifeline that may have only delayed the inevitable, as it's hard to see another NFL team seeking out Stick as an option.

The Chargers realistically should have parted ways with Stick after the 2023 season but didn't, likely because of his relationship with Justin Herbert. Stick does not have the same benefit in Atlanta, which doesn't bode well for his future with the organization.

However, while his play on the field leaves more to be desired, Stick has positively impacted the Falcons during his short tenure with the team. Stick was the primary force who drove the Falcons to sign former Chargers WR D.J. Chark Jr, who has turned heads during Falcons camp.

But his contributions may stop there. After this performance, it's hard to imagine Stick making the Falcons' 53-man roster.