Former Old Dominion University great Taylor Heinicke knew the writing was on the wall when his hometown Atlanta Falcons not only signed veteran Kirk Cousins, but then drafted University of Washington's Michael Penix, Jr.
On Wednesday according to multiple reports like The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, citing sources, as well as The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Falcons trading the 31 year old to the Los Angeles Chargers. He'll join fellow Monarch Stone Smartt who's a former quarterback himself who's now a converted tight end.
Heinicke has played in 38 NFL games and making 29 starts during the regular season. He also started a playoff game in 2020 with Washington. Heinicke then signed with the Falcons in 2023.
Heinicke joins a Chargers squad that includes starter Justin Herbert, who's bothered by a right foot injury and backup Easton Stick.
Back in 2015, the former Monarch went undrafted, but would sign a free agent deal with the Vikings. Heinicke would make other stops with the Patriots and Panthers.