Who Should I Start? Geno Smith or Taylor Heinicke

Tuesday, May 20, 1:16 PM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith said he's ready to adjust to a new offense in 2025, something he's already done three times in the last three seasons. "I can adjust. And so, just an adjustment period, but the offense is really good. I'm looking forward to it. Won't give too many details, but we're looking to be explosive and efficient," Smith said. New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly's simplistic, fast-paced offenses have evolved in recent years, and he should give Smith the freedom to call audibles at the line of scrimmage. The 34-year-old Smith threw for a career-high 4,320 yards on 578 attempts in 2024, which ranked fourth-most in the league. He also had a career-high 15 interceptions. Smith was very accurate last year, but he won't have the volume in Vegas and doesn't have the kind of weapons through the air he had in Seattle. Still, Smith will be relevant in two-QB leagues in 2025.

Thursday, March 13, 9:30 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers and backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke agreed to a one-year contract extension worth up to $6.2 million on Thursday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Heinicke will return to L.A. for a second season to back up starter Justin Herbert. In his first year with the Chargers in 2024, Heinicke only saw action in four games (no starts) and went only 3-for-5 for 28 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. The 31-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Old Dominion has already played for five different NFL teams in his seven years in the league. His best year came in 2021 with the Washington Commanders, when he played in 16 games (15 starts) and threw for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Heinicke has started 29 games in his seven seasons, but he's unlikely to see much work again in 2025 behind Herbert, who is one of the toughest QBs in football.