Sports Illustrated’s Gilbert Manzano ranked all 32 backup quarterbacks heading into the 2025 season.
Chargers’ QB Taylor Heinicke checked in at No. 25 overall.
Falcons’ Kirk Cousins was No. 1. Rams’ Jimmy Garoppolo was No. 2. Colts’ Daniel Jones was No. 3. Bengals’ Jake Browning was No. 4. Giants’ Jaxson Dart rounded out the top five.
Here is what Manzano had to say about Heinicke’s ranking:
Heinicke hasn’t played much since leaving Washington two years ago. He was once viewed as a top QB2 because he impressed at times during his 24 starts in Washington. But Heinicke struggled in his stint with the Falcons before landing as Justin Herbert’s backup with the Chargers last season.
The Chargers re-signed Heinicke to a one-year deal during the offseason. Traded for ahead of the 2024 regular season, Heinicke appeared in four games and completed three of five passes (60%) for 28 yards.
Before arriving in Los Angeles, Heinicke played for six teams (Vikings, Patriots, Texans, Panthers, Commanders, and Falcons). Across seven seasons, he has a 62.5 completion rate with 39 touchdowns to 28 interceptions and 112 carries for 608 yards and three rushing TDs.
Heinicke will serve as Justin Herbert’s primary backup, and Trey Lance is expected to be the third quarterback on the depth chart.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Where Chargers’ Taylor Heinicke ranks among all backup quarterbacks in NFL
Reporting by Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
