With Justin Herbert sidelined in a walking boot, the biggest storyline of the LA Chargers preseason in 2024 was the backup quarterback play. While Herbert eventually removed the boot and is now entering Week 1 without any pain, the fact remains Easton Stick is not a viable backup quarterback option.
On Wednesday, the Chargers addressed that issue.
After a strong showing in the preseason for the Atlanta Falcons, Taylor Heinicke emerged as someone the Bolts could target and he ended up being the man for the job. Per Dianna Russini and Josh Kendall of The Athletic, the Chargers have traded a conditional sixth-round pick to the Falcons for the former Washington Commanders starting QB.
Chargers fix backup quarterback problem with Taylor Heinicke
The former Washington Commanders starting quarterback is one of the better backup quarterbacks in the league and can start games to keep the Bolts afloat if Herbert has to miss any time.
Atlanta entered the preseason with three viable quarterbacks on the roster and Heinicke was ultimately the odd man out. With Kirk Cousins starting and Michael Penix Jr. behind him, there was no reason for the Falcons to keep Heinicke on the roster.
It made sense for the Falcons to get whatever they could for a quarterback who was never going to play and probably would have eventually been cut. It makes just as much sense for the Chargers to send late-round draft capital to ensure Herbert has a capable backup.
With two Chargers practice squad slots available, Easton Stick will likely stick around as a practice squad quarterback. The Chargers did not sign any quarterbacks to the practice squad and no team will sign Stick to the 53-man roster.
Stick could theoretically leave on his own and sign with another team's practice squad but his rapport with Herbert and the franchise should keep him in LA. After all, those connections is what got him a new contract with the Chargers in the first place after he struggled last season.
If Herbert were to get hurt for a long stretch of time any hopes the Chargers had of competing for a Super Bowl would get thrown out the window. But now, with Huntley behind him, the Chargers can at least stay afloat if Herbert has to miss a small amount of time or is banged up in a game and has to be removed.
Another smart move by Hortiz. Bravo to the new Chargers GM.