Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Justin Fields

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.

Monday, March 10, 3:04 PM

The New York Jets have signed quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year contract worth $40 million. This deal includes $30 million guaranteed. The 26-year-old opened the 2024 campaign as Pittsburgh's No. 1 quarterback before being replaced by Russell Wilson. During his time as the starter, Fields averaged 183.4 passing yards and 38.5 rushing yards per game. He found the back of the end zone 10 times (five passing, five rushing) and threw just one interception. During the 2022 season, Fields enjoyed a career-season as he tallied 2,242 passing yards and added an impressive 1,143 yards on the ground. During this season, he threw 17 scores and tallied eight rushing touchdowns. However, he threw 11 interceptions. Fantasy managers should expect Fields to likely operate as their starting quarterback as the Jets are parting ways with Aaron Rodgers. Veteran Tyrod Taylor is also on the roster and could compete for starting opportunities during training camp if Fields were to struggle. Fields carries solid upside as a high-end QB2 in all formats given his elite rushing ability.