Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Riley Leonard

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, April 26, 4:28 PM

The Indianapolis Colts have selected Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard with the 189th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. A Duke transfer, Leonard racked up 2,861 passing yards, 21 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions during his one and only season with the Fighting Irish. He also rushed for 906 yards and another 17 touchdowns on the ground. Leonard is capable of making big, accurate throws down the field, but he can also keep defenses guessing with his ability to roll out of the pocket and make plays. He joins a Colts quarterback room that features two other mobile quarterbacks, Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones. Leonard likely won't earn playing time in Week 1, but with glaring quarterback questions in Indianapolis, he could push for an opportunity to earn snaps down the stretch.