The Chargers released Heinicke on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

The 32-year-old becomes a free agent after losing a summer battle against Trey Lance for the backup QB job in Los Angeles. It's not a great sign for Henicke's NFL future, but he may nonetheless resurface somewhere else.

Heinicke completed three of five passes for 31 yards in Saturday's 30-23 preseason loss to the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

Heinicke was the second Chargers quarterback into the game, notably after Trey Lance. The former wasn't asked to do much-- the playcalling heavily slanted toward the run -- though Heinicke did manage to record completions of 12 and 13 yards to Oronde Gadsden and JaQuae Jackson. Saturday's usage suggests Heinicke has slipped to third on the quarterback depth chart, though that won't become entirely clear until the team's Week 1 matchup against the Chiefs.

Heinicke completed just one of five pass attempts for eight yards and had no rushing attempts in Sunday's 27-13 preseason win over the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Starter Justin Herbert sat out for the second exhibition in a row, affording Heinicke the opportunity to make his preseason debut this year. The journeyman backup probably wishes he hadn't on this particular Sunday after completing just one pass across two offensive drives. Heinicke was the early favorite to serve as Herbert's backup come Week 1, but Trey Lance has produced touchdowns in consecutive games and could threaten for the gig. It will be interesting to see what order the two backups are rolled out against the Rams on Saturday.

Heinicke will start Sunday's preseason game against the Saints, NFL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Trey Lance started the Hall of Fame Game and played deep into the second half, with both Heinicke and Justin Herbert being held out. Heinicke will now lead the second-string offense Sunday, followed by Lance and DJ Uiagalelei working with the third/fourth units. Heinicke seems like a favorite to enter Week 1 in the backup QB role, but there's always some chance Lance could be tabbed instead. Heinicke and Lance signed similar one-year contracts this offseason.

Heinicke signed a one-year contract worth up to $6.2 million with the Chargers on Thursday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heinicke spent the 2024 season with the Chargers as the backup to Justin Herbert but played only 22 offensive snaps while attempting five passes. He's spent parts of a few seasons as a starter and will once again be one of the more competent backups in the league.

Heinicke saw spot duty in four regular-season games in 2024, completing three of five pass attempts for 28 yards and also rushing two times for 20 yards.

EDGE Analysis

Heinicke's lack of work was expected, as long as the Chargers' starting quarterback, Justin Herbert remained healthy. The 31-year-old joined the franchise late in training camp due to a trade with the Falcons and ultimately won the backup job from Easton Stick. With Heinicke set to be an unrestricted free agent, he may find himself in a different uniform next season.

Heinicke completed his only two passes for 24 yards in Sunday's loss to the Steelers after entering the game late in the second half for Justin Herbert (ankle), who was spotted leaving the stadium in a walking boot.

EDGE Analysis

Heinicke technically attempted only two passes, but he dropped back far more only to be destroyed by the freight train that was the Steelers' defense. Both starting tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (back) appeared to suffer injuries in this one, so it's possible the Chargers could be extra cautious with their franchise quarterback, allotting more time for Heinicke to play in the coming weeks. The long-time veteran joined the team late in the preseason, but he came on in relief instead of multi-year backup Easton Stick, who struggled mightily in preseason action.

Heinicke (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

The quarterback was traded to the Chargers for a conditional sixth-round pick Aug. 28 and sat out Week 1, too. Heinicke appears to be behind Easton Stick on the depth chart at the moment.

The Falcons traded Heinicke to the Chargers on Wednesday, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heinicke was the odd man out in Atlanta's quarterback room, where both Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix stood firmly above him on the depth chart, and he now joins a Los Angeles team that will feel more secure with proven options behind Justin Herbert (foot), who recently returned to 7-on-7 work while recovering from a plantar fascia injury. Herbert is expected to be ready for Week 1, but if the Chargers have any concerns about his recovery timetable, Heinicke and Eason Stick could both be in the mix as backup options. Stick is familiar with the offense and looked fine in limited action last season, but Heinicke is the more experienced signal-caller, having started 28 games over the last three years.

Heinicke completed four of 11 passes for 11 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions and netted no gain on two carries in the Falcons' 20-13 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Friday night. He also fumbled once but recovered.

EDGE Analysis

Heinicke was the second quarterback in after rookie eighth overall pick Michael Penix, entering the game with 6:34 remaining in the second quarter. The veteran signal-caller was partly victimized by playing with second- and third-string offensive linemen and skill players, helping explain his forgettable passing line. Nevertheless, Heinicke appears to still have a clear lead in his battle with recent arrival Nathan Rourke for the No. 3 quarterback job, and both players should once again see time in the Falcons' second exhibition game Aug. 17 against the Ravens.