Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Taylor Heinicke

Friday, July 25, 6:16 PM

Cleveland Browns quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett have been splitting up the first-team reps early in training camp. Pickett got the first chance as the starter on Wednesday and then Flacco took over on Thursday. It's worth noting that Flacco got the first reps for 11-on-11 drills on Friday. It appears that the starting job for Week 1 is between these two right now. Dillon Gabriel also got a few first team reps, but seems like a long shot for the starting role. The Browns have said they plan to give all four of their quarterbacks starting reps throughout the summer. This is going to be a situation to monitor throughout training camp. Whoever wins the starting gig could have low-end streaming appeal, but probably won't be a great option given the lack of talent in Cleveland.

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.