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.

Saturday, May 31, 1:44 PM

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields thinks he could be on the cusp of a breakout season in a new location. "I think I can be great," Fields said. "That's been the goal for me my whole life, my whole career. I think the sky's the limit for this team, for this offense, but we do have a long way to go." Fields signed a two-year, $40 million deal in March and is on his third team after being taken 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021 out of Ohio State. The 26-year-old is also working with his fourth different offensive coordinator in five years. He's known for his elite running ability, but the Jets' goal is to make Fields a complete QB. In his last 12 games, Field has gone 8-4 with 17 total TDs and only seven turnovers. Before that, he went 6-26 with 46 TDs and 35 turnovers. Because of his rushing upside along, Fields will be a high-end QB2, and if he can improve as a passer, QB1 production could follow.