Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Daniel Jones

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.

Wednesday, July 30, 12:24 PM

ESPN's Stephen Holder writes that the Indianapolis Colts quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones remains tight in training camp, with neither signal-caller putting distance between them. Head coach Shane Steichen called the QB battle "neck and neck." The Athletic's Zak Keefer writes that Richardson "was sharper during the team's first two padded practices." Richardson, the former fourth overall pick, has been a disappointment in his first two NFL seasons due to injuries and inconsistent performances. The young QB has missed 17 games due to injury and was benched midway through 2024 in favor of Joe Flacco. His completion percentage was a league-low 47.7%. Despite the early disappointment, GM Chris Ballard has faith in Richardson long term, even if he loses the battle to Jones this summer. Richardson's rushing upside is elite, but he must become a more complete QB to realize his QB1 potential.