Chargers Acquire QB Heinicke, CB Molden in Trades

The Los Angeles Chargers have acquired veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick. This move adds experience to the Chargers' quarterback room, which previously included only Justin Herbert and Easton Stick. Heinicke, who has played for five NFL teams and started 29 games, is expected to compete with Stick for the backup quarterback position. The Falcons, who recently signed Kirk Cousins and drafted Michael Penix Jr., had relegated Heinicke to a lesser role, prompting the trade. Additionally, the Chargers traded for cornerback Elijah Molden from the Tennessee Titans, enhancing their secondary depth. These acquisitions come as the Chargers aim to bolster their roster following preseason evaluations and injuries to key players like Herbert.