As the Carolina Panthers could use the depth in the quarterback department, they could target the Chargers’ third-string starter, Taylor Henicke, in a possible trade. According to a report, the source believes a reunion could happen between Heinicke and the Panthers since they’re struggling to find a reliable backup for Bryce Young. Veteran Andy Dalton has looked rough in the preseason and went down with an injury, so he could be missing some time. The Panthers don’t have anyone other than him since third-string Jack Plummer looked Horrendous as well, and former UFL talent Bryce Perkins might not make the roster. It’s easy to see why the Panthers could target a quarterback in a trade for depth, as they don’t want to risk the idea of having one signal-caller alone in the depth chart.
As confident as the Panthers are in Young, anything in the league can happen. Even if Dalton comes back, they’re better off investing in another quick option. However, it’s hard to imagine they’ll trade for Heinicke given his preseason performance and getting outplayed by Trey Lance. He’s a cut candidate for this upcoming 2025 regular season, so teams like the Panthers are going to wait until he becomes a free agent, as they wouldn’t want to risk any draft picks for a veteran who is depleting.
Here are four other potential suitors for Heinicke.
Chargers Training Camp
Jul 21, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) at training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Panthers, Chargers Connected in Possible Taylor Heinicke Trade
Other Possible Suitors
Washington Commanders
After re-signing Marcus Mariota this offseason, the Washington Commanders aren’t in the market for a backup quarterback, but it’d be nice for them to reunite with Henicke. He wasn’t a bad signal-caller when he had the chance by any means before losing his job to Sam Howell a few years ago. Henicke might be aging, but this is something the Commanders could use as he has the experience to continue to develop Jayden Daniels. Since the Commanders have their guy, it’s always best to surround him with enough experienced players, especially if they want to win a Super Bowl sooner rather than later.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, backup Joe Milton has been looking atrocious this preseason. He was never going to take Dak Prescott’s job unless he suffered an injury or continued to be inconsistent. The Cowboys might be better off with a veteran while Milton develops, and even though Heinicke is winding down in his career, he could be a viable mentor for this group.
New Orleans Saints
Even though the New Orleans Saints will likely stick with Spencer Rattler as their primary quarterback, they will still need a reliable backup. It’s hard to imagine that Tyler Shough has a role in this offense anymore due to his poor performance. After failing to draft Shedeur Sanders in the draft, the Saints should at least take a chance on a veteran like Heinicke to be ready for the moment if the team loses Rattler.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best quarterbacks in the league, but even the best need some help. Cooper Rush has looked horrible this preseason, so they could be looking to part ways with him earlier than expected despite just signing him. Heinicke won’t start for Baltimore, but he might have a better result with the Ravens than Rush.