Who Should I Start? Taylor Heinicke or Tanner McKee

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.

Sunday, January 5, 7:00 PM

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee completed 27 of his 41 pass attempts for 269 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 18 win over the New York Giants. He also rushed for one yard. The 24-year-old made his first career start with Jalen Hurts (concussion) inactive and Kenny Pickett (rib) also sidelined Sunday. After throwing for two touchdowns during last week's relief appearance, he came back out and added two more scores during the Eagles' regular-season finale. McKee will likely drop back down to No. 3 on the depth chart during the Wild Card Round, but at the very least, he has shown that he can be a solid fill-in quarterback in the NFL.