RADIO
Taylor Heinicke is going home after agreeing to a two-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons worth up to $20 million. The 30-year-old quarterback was born in Lawrenceville, GA, and played high school football in Suwanee, GA. Heinicke will bring the underdog mentality to Atlanta that gave him modest success with the Washington Commanders.
Over the last two seasons, the former Old Dominion standout started 24 games for Washington. He did have his high points, like throwing for 3,419 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2021. The five-year veteran also had a 5-3-1 record in the nine games last year. However, he also threw 15 interceptions and finished with a 7-8 mark two seasons ago.
Heinicke will stabilize an offense that finished 31st in passing yards (158.8) and 15th in points scored (21.5) per game in 2022. He will also be a much-needed veteran on a squad with last year’s fifth-youngest roster. Arthur Smith will also have a solid player in a position where they are still looking for certainty. They’ve let go of Marcus Mariota after starting 13 games, making way for Heinicke’s roster spot.
An Insurance Policy
While Heinicke will be playing for his fourth team in six seasons, the Falcons declared Desmond Ridder their starter for the 2023 season. The second-year player from Cincinnati started the Falcons’ last four games in 2022, winning the final two. Ridder had 19 completions for 224 yards and two touchdowns in their season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Ridder showed some poise to close their campaign, and the Falcons would like to see more from their third-round selection in last year’s draft. The jury is still out on Ridder, and the team will allow him to prove his worth. But if he falters, Heinicke can come in and possibly save some games, like Ryan Fitzpatrick during Tua Tagovailoa's rookie season. While Heinicke's arm strength is average, his teammates love to play with him, and he has solid command during huddles.
However, Heinicke is more of a bridge quarterback than a franchise player. If the Falcons decide to put him on top of the depth chart because Ridder isn’t the answer, they must go back to the drawing board and explore another option behind center.
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